Pain

November 8th – Psalm34:17-18

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Psalm 34:17-18

God wants us to come to Him with everything both good and bad. But sometimes the pain is so overwhelming, we can’t put it into words. And when it comes to crying out for help, the best we can manage is a deep groan. Yet often, these groans are some of our most powerful prayers. Because they come from the heart. And are raw expressions of our deep anguish, and struggles. They communicate the depths of our soul to God, who understands our unspoken cries. His nearness to the broken-hearted is a source of peace and strength, offering a life line of endurance when we need it most. It reminds us that in our vulnerability and pain, we are not alone. His love and compassion envelop us, providing a sanctuary for our wounded souls. Even in the darkest of times, God remains a constant and unwavering source of comfort and healing, ready to mend the broken pieces of our hearts. And instilling us with unwavering hope, as we are confident the Lord will deliver us from our troubles.

November 8th – Psalm34:17-18 Read More »

October 12th – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

My heart is broken with the tragedy of the war in Israel. The reports of the brutality against God’s people are horrific. Yet even when our circumstances are dire, tragic, and devastating, Paul tells us to embrace a spirit of joy, gratitude, and prayer. Finding such joy and gratitude can be challenging. But God is always with us in our pain. And His love can guide us towards a place of renewed hope and appreciation, even in the midst of heartbreak. For His abundance is always present through His grace, mercy, and the hope we have in Christ. So no matter what we face, we can always rejoice in joy over our relationship with God, and give thanks in all circumstances. For His love and provision are steadfast. And no matter the what the Enemy tries, God is always in control. And the best defense is to rejoice pray without ceasing. Because it connects us to the abundant source of God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. Allowing us to draw strength and hope from His unwavering presence.

October 12th – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Read More »

July 12th – Proverbs 14:10

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Proverbs 14:10

“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.”

There’s nothing worse than when we share experiences with others just to hear how they too have experienced the same thing. As Christians, we need to realize that everyone’s journey is unique to them. And we need to listen to their story allow without immediately interjecting our own experience and opinion. For everyone’s feelings about a situation are their own. And instead of looking for a know it all, people are looking for someone to come alongside them to provide comfort, understanding and love. So even if we’ve had a similar experience, in humility and love we need to listen with open ears and a closed mouth. Everyone carries hidden burdens and joys that we will never know. As Christians it’s not our not to judge or assume we understand the depth of someone else’s pain or joy. Instead we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) And unless asked, leave our opinions at the door.

 

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May 12th – Isaiah 65:17

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Isaiah 65:17

When my Grandma was diagnosed with dementia, it was painful to watch as she tried to hold on to precious memories. Memories can be both a blessing and a curse. Some fill our hearts with joy while others bring tears to our eyes. One day God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth. And in this new reality, the painful experiences and memories of the past will no longer have any power over us. The memories that we cherish will still remain. But all things, including memories, that brought us pain and suffering will be no more. Instead we will dwell with the Lord forever in an eternity filled with joy, peace, and harmony. And our old way of thinking and behaving will be left behind. Because of His great love and mercy, God offers us a clean slate and a fresh start. One where past mistakes and wrongdoings can be forgotten and forgiven, allowing for a new future. A future that is free from the pains and sorrows of the past and filled with the blessings of His grace and love.

May 12th – Isaiah 65:17 Read More »

January 30th – Psalm 81:13

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Psalm 81:13

We all know the truth that hindsight is 20/20. Because there isn’t a single person who hasn’t looked back at past mistakes and uttered the words, “If only”. Regret is a powerful emotion. One that keeps us in bondage and stuck in the past. That’s why our Heavenly Father cries out, “Oh that My people would listen to Me!” (vs. 13) As Christian’s our greatest goal is to walk hand in hand with God. To have a close, personal, relationship with the One who knows us best. But to walk with God, we have to listen to God. Many are the ways in which God speaks. One of the greatest ways God speaks is through His Word. Other times God speaks to us through teachers or fellow believers. We even hear from God through worship. Many are the ways in which God speaks. Which is why it’s so important to listen for and obey His voice. Israel learned the hard way the pain of regret. And from her mistakes, can we save ourselves the same pain.

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January 7th – Psalm 41:12

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Psalm 41:12

There is a quote that warns, “not everyone you fight is your enemy. And not everyone who helps you is your friend.” Throughout our lives we will experience hurt, betrayal, and disappointment at the hands of others. And in those moments we have a choice to make. Will that pain make us better or bitter? Better is using the hurt to grow closer to the Lord, and softening our hearts to the pain and needs of others. But bitter takes glee in retribution and seeing others misfortune. And it turns a blind eye to the suffering of another because its focus is only on self pity. We all fall short and sin daily against God. Yet from His wonderful love, He extends to us His unmerited grace and mercy. And He calls us to show that same grace and mercy. To repay evil with kindness, curses with blessings, and mistreatment with prayer. (Luke 6:27-28) And most importantly of all, if we see a need to meet that need. The way God meets all of ours.

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December 1st – Psalm 6:2

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Psalm 6:2

One of the things I love most about the Psalms is the way they convey the hurts, joys, hopes, and sorrows of every Christian. And in Psalm 6, the pain David feels resonates deep inside my heart. Because I too know the anguish of sinning against God. The brokenness of realizing what a mess I’ve made, and the despair of the consequences that are sure to follow. Like David, I have felt the wretchedness that comes from disobedience to God. How the shame literally manifests into physical pain, from deep in my heart to deep in my bones. But also like David, I trust in the mercy, promises, and love of God. I know that even though I’m not, God is good all of the time. The Lord knows my heart. And when I come bowed before Him in humility, He sees my sorrow. And in my repentance, He graciously welcomes me back to a place I don’t deserve; into His loving arms. Restoring me with all joy and peace, and abounding me in hope! (Rom. 15:13)

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September 12th – Psalm 32:1

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Psalm 32:1

Many Christians struggle with forgiveness. We understand the concept in our heads, but fail to receive it in our hearts. And often times, we are far more willing to extend forgiveness to others then we are to ourselves. Needlessly we carry around the burden of guilt, shame, and pain. We fear our sin is too great for God to forgive. And why would He forgive us anyway when we fail him daily? But those feelings and thoughts are lies from Satan who wants nothing more then to keep us from experiencing victory and God’s sweet presence in our lives. The truth is, when we confess and repent God promises to remove our sin from us as far as the “east is from the west.” (Ps. 103:12). So when you falter, talk to God. Draw near to the Lord, telling Him what you’ve done. Then forgive yourself as God forgives you. And most importantly, don’t get discouraged. Because even when we stumble, God is faithful to forgive!

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August 25th – 1 Timothy 2:1

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1 Timothy 2:1

When someone we love hurts, our first instinct is to want to jump into action and fix the problem. Because their pain is our pain. And our world won’t be right again until theirs is. But what about those times when we can’t make things better? What do we do then? We do one of the greatest and most powerful things we can, we pray. There is great strength in prayer. For as James tells us, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16) Petitioning God on behalf of another is faith in action. We’re laying the hurt of our loved ones at His feet, and asking Him to take action. And having full confidence that God will do what we can’t. Although it can be hard to, “let go and let God”, we have to remember that as much as we love the people we pray for, God loves them even more. And getting on our knees, praying that He will work powerfully and mightily in their lives, is how miracles happen!

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July 18th – Philippians 4:4

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Philippians 4:4

When we’re hurting, being told to rejoice seems not only impossible, but particularly cruel. After all, how could God expect us to find joy in pain? But did you know that of all the books in the Bible, among the most joyful are the “prison epistles”? These are the letters written by Paul while imprisoned in Rome. The apostle had been falsely arrested, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, beaten, and eventually beheaded. Yet through it all, Paul never lost his joy. Because his gladness wasn’t found in his circumstances. Rather, Paul’s joy was in the One who provided the love, peace, and strength he needed to endure every trial. And by following Paul’s model we too can rejoice always; even in the worst of circumstances. We don’t rejoice over the hurt, but we can rejoice over the Lord. Because He will use our situation both for our good, and His glory.

July 18th – Philippians 4:4 Read More »