Dealing with Personal Pain

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him,  for God is our refuge.     Psalm 62:8  NIV

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.  1 Corinthians 12:26 NIV

    

    There are many bad ways to deal with personal suffering.  The worst way is probably to repress it, to push it down and pretend we are not in pain.  Perseverance is a good thing, but to persevere in denial is not helpful.

    There are two really helpful ways to deal with suffering.  The first way is to pour out your heart to God.  Tell him how you really feel.  If you are angry at God, let it out.  If you have questions, ask him.  If you can’t bear to go on, cry out to him for help.  When we honestly pour out our pain to God, we discover him as our refuge.  Our suffering may not end, but we will discover strength, comfort and even joy in the midst of it. 

    The second helpful way to deal with personal suffering is by helping others who are suffering.  When we help others, our burden becomes lighter and our faith becomes stronger.  He who suffers alone suffers the most.  When you suffer, care for someone else who is suffering and both of you will be strengthened.

This week, put both of these good ways into practice.

1. Set aside some time to pour out some pain to God.  It doesn’t matter if it is a small disappointment or an overwhelming hurt.  Pour it out to God in prayer or write it in a journal.  Be gut level honest and humbly ask for help.

2. Set aside some time to pray for someone or to serve someone who is suffering.  Make a phone call, write an encouraging note or simply pray for them.  Bring an extra snack to share at work or take someone to lunch and listen to their story.