Finding Peace in the Pain

Finding peace in the pain. Is that even possible?

I’d like to suggest the answer can be found in trusting God, handing it all over to Jesus, and depending on the Spirit’s strength to help us through whatever situation we face. A friend of mine calls these situations opportunities to trust God. That sounds about right, don’t you think?

When we are in the middle of painful situations that look anything but peaceful, whether the pain is physical, emotional, or spiritual, one way we can find peace in the pain is by placing our trust in God.

Recently, I sat in my family practitioner’s office where she told me I should have come in to see her a week earlier. Although I am fond of my doctor, I do not like going to her office.

I dealt with this particular health concern for over two weeks before I finally made the appointment to see her. I think — hope — the medicine she gave me is working. If not, off to a specialist.

Here again, I like this physician. I just don’t like going to his office. Especially in light of the last procedure he performed. Think needles. And a lot of pain.

As I thought about this current concern, I remembered all the many, many, many times God has brought me through one painful situation or the other.

Not all of these situations were physical. Some were emotional. Others were spiritual. It didn’t matter. Every one of these situations were opportunities to trust God.

They were opportunities to bring my pain to the Father’s throne, leave it there, and watch to see how God would show up and show out.

While I considered these opportunities to trust God to bring peace into my pain, I thought about those I know who are struggling right now, and desperately need God’s peace in the midst of their pain. Here are some of the struggles.

Recent death of a spouse.

Health concerns of an elderly parent.

Estrangement from a loved one.

Mental decline of a spouse.

Dialysis or kidney transplant?

Job loss.

Place loved one in a nursing home or take care of him at home?

Surgery or chemo?

Confront with God’s truth or allow child to go down the wrong path?

Stay or go?

Stand up to the bully or continue to be bullied?

Tell the kids you can’t afford it or go deeper in debt?

Is this the one or do I wait for another?

Speak the truth in love or let it slide?

Step out in faith or not?

Tough situations. Tough circumstances. Tough decisions. Tougher God.

Perhaps you are in an opportunity to trust God situation right now. You long for peace in the midst of your pain, but it seems out of reach.

If you are, please know I’m praying for everyone who reads this post, that you will find peace in the pain, continue to trust God knowing he is faithful, and that you will possess wisdom to know what to do next.

God is our shalom. Our peace. He is with us. Even when finding peace in the pain seems impossible, he will never leave or forsake us.

I wish you well.

Sandy