I’m in pain today.
Some of it is physical. Some of it is heartache.
Both are real.
Both are life-changing.
Pain can do that. Change your life, I mean.
For better or worse.
If we are not careful, it can devastate. We’ve seen signs of that just this week in the death of actor and comedian, Robin Williams.
I suffer it myself every day. Not depression, but physical pain and the emotional pain that comes from life here on earth.
After a particularly tough heartache kind of day, I’m wondering what the Bible has to say about pain, and even how Noah Webster defines it.
Let’s take a look.
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If you’re unsure about what it means to do a word study, or why I do them, take a peek back at A is for Attentive. I explain more there.
Our word for study is PAIN
Pain: noun — and uneasy sensation of any degree from slight uneasiness to extreme distress or torture, proceeding from pressure, tension, or spasm, separation of parts by violence, or any derangement of functions; labor; work; toilsome effort.
Keyword Definitions
sensation: the perception of external objects by means of the senses
uneasiness: a moderate degree of pain; restlessness; disquiet
distress: anguish of body or mind; affliction; calamity misery
functions: the peculiar or appropriate action of a member or part of the body
toilsome: laborious; wearisome; attended with fatigue and pain
Pain in My Own Words
Pain is a physical or psychological affect that occurs when a part of the body does not function as it was created to function. It can affect any of the senses and has a wide range of severity.
Biblical References
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)
The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. (Psalm 41:3)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for ithose who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
My Thoughts
There are 2 verses above that jump out at me frequently when I think about pain — any kind of pain. It doesn’t really matter if it’s my own personal pain, the pain of a friend, or the pains for this fallen world. They sum up what I believe to be true about pain:
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Whether you are suffering the real physical pain of a chronic illness, cancer, or injury. Or whether you are suffering the emotional pains of depression, a prodigal child, a disastrous marriage, or hurt that comes from people who don’t understand you. Or whether your pain comes from compassion for a world that suffers. It does not matter. These truths remain:
1. Our lives on this earth are short in comparison with eternity, and
2. God does indeed work all things together for good for those who love him.
God did not create us and this world to include the pain we all suffer. What He created was very good. But because in order to truly love, he needed to give us the ability to choose, we have sin. Because of the fall, pain became a part of the human condition, despite God’s great love for us. We should expect it. But we should not succumb to it. To do so is to allow the enemy a foothold into our lives. Instead, we must fight the fight. Every day. All the time. Thankfully, we do not do this alone.
Jesus speaks these words in John 16:33:
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
And Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
The pains of this life are temporary. We must live with them with eternity in mind.
Pain is going to change your life.
Make it for the better.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
