Painful Days
By Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Are you in physical pain today?
Someone reading this is in pain. Perhaps it’s you. Or maybe you know someone in pain. Pain rarely makes sense and often continues without relief. Throughout the ages, others who have endured pain have turned their attention from the temporary pain to things eternal by meditating on passages of Scripture. Whether you are currently feeling pain or supporting someone who is suffering, allow the following string of passages to provide comfort and hope:
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
May He send you help. (Psalm 20:1–2)Lift up your eyes to the hills. . . .
Your help comes from the LORD. . . .
Who watches over you. (Psalm 121:1–2, 5)
He is the one . . .
Who keeps you in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3)
Who delivers you from fears. . . .
Who saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:4, 18 NIV)Who heals the brokenhearted
And binds up all your wounds. (Psalm 147:3)Who forgives all your sins,
and heals all your diseases. (Psalm 103:3 NIV)Who renews your strength. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
God even sent His own Son, the one . . .
“Who took up your infirmities
and carried your diseases.” (Matthew 8:17)Who carried your sorrows,
smitten and afflicted.
He was pierced for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities
and He brought you peace
for by his wounds you are healed. (Isaiah 53:4–5)
Paul was given a thorn in the flesh; thankfully we aren’t told any more than the truth that He lived in pain and pleaded for relief. Paul said the purpose of his pain was to keep him humble and find God’s grace to be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
If the Lord allows the pain to continue for you, recall 2 Corinthians 12, because it offers a perspective not spoken of in our world today. His grace, His peace, His strength, His hope . . . through prayer, the eyes of your heart will see some greater purpose through the suffering.
About the author
Colleen Swindoll Thompson
Colleen Swindoll Thompson holds a bachelor of arts degree in Communication from Trinity International University as well as minors in psychology and education. Colleen serves as the director of Reframing Ministries at Insight for Living Ministries. From the personal challenges of raising a child with disabilities (her son Jonathan), Colleen offers help, hope, and a good dose of humor through speaking, writing, and counseling those affected by disability. Colleen and her husband, Toban, have five children and reside in Frisco, Texas.
