P-A-I-N. Pain. It comes in various forms and effects people in a myriad of ways. A paper cut, for instance can be shrugged off by some and yet for others it is almost debilitating. Not many can, however, shrug off the searing pain of stepping on a LEGO in the middle of the night with bare feet. Physical pain, as much as it hurts, usually subsides at some point and can be alleviated by taking a pain reliever. Even if there are scars left behind, the physical pain usually doesn’t last long. There is other pain, though, that cannot be relieved so easily.
Bullying. Emotional abuse. Physical abuse. Scars from these types of pain usually won’t be obvious but are far deeper and affect the life of the one bearing them. There are ways to deal with such traumatic events but that doesn’t mean a person will not still feel the effects of what happened.
As Christians, how are we supposed to deal with pain and discouragement? Many are under the false assumption (or direct false teaching) that we are not supposed to admit that we have pain or are discouraged. We serve a Mighty God who is able to do far more than we could ever ask or think…but we still live here in this fallen world, susceptible to the ravages of sin. We cannot deny that we go through times of trial and tribulation — to do so is to live in a fantasy world.
What are we to do? Let me offer you some encouragement through Psalm 22.
Although this is an obviously Messianic Psalm that points to Jesus’ suffering on the cross, it also records the real, honest, gut-wrenching suffering that King David endured and his subsequent lamenting over his circumstances. If we were to only read the first two verses and stop, we would conclude that the writer had no hope in God and had given up on receiving anything from Him. David was suffering and he wanted God to know it. In those two verses it sounds like God isn’t listening. Have you ever felt that way?
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
and by night, but I find no rest.”
(Psalm 22:1-2, ESV)
YET…
In the very next verse, even through the pain and discouragement, David firmly places his trust in God and turns his lamenting into praise! What he states is not some syrupy-sweet way of covering up his distress nor is it his way of sweet-talking God into listening. David’s praise and worship is a direct result of his complete trust in his Creator.
“Yet, you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
(Psalm 22:3, ESV)
We may feel that we are not allowed to show frustration or feel discouraged about negative situations in our life. Wrong! God knows who we are, where we are, and how we feel. He does not and will not abandon us when we cry out to Him in despair. If you read the rest of this Psalm, you will notice that David still pours his heart out to God, demonstrating his frustration and venting his discouragement. He implores God to rescue him but does not wait around for that rescue to come before he gives God the praise of which He is so worthy! David knew to praise God in the midst of pain.
Don’t allow circumstances to rule the day. Focus on God and allow His Spirit to cover you as you lift your voice to honor and praise Him.
