Pain and suffering. Many of us experience pain and suffering in one way or another; physical, emotional, relationally, financial. Sometimes our pain and suffering is mild, but at other times we wonder how we will ever go on. There have been times I have asked that question—maybe you have also. I have the answer if you’re asking that question . . . His name is Jesus the Christ.
Recently, my wife shared a quote with me she found by Mother Teresa: “Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow, suffering are but the kiss of Jesus—a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.” I want to have that close and personal of a relationship with Him—my savior.
In the world we live in, people seem to be so beaten down by the everyday struggles of life. I have very few days when I don’t visit with someone who is burdened down and losing hope.
Some seem to be so tired and weary. Psalm 46:1 (NKJV) tells us: “ 1 God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.”
Maybe your life has also had some problems, trials, or speed bumps, or maybe not. Maybe your life has just been one really smooth ride. However, for most, life is filled with multiple trials, temptations, heartache, and problems: a car accident-causing serious injury or loss of life; the pain from the loss of a child, grand-child, sibling, or parent; loss of a job; a broken relationship; a serious diagnosis for a disease; or feelings of hopelessness, unending depression, or anxiety.
I can recollect too many endof- life experiences: a comrade in arms taking a last breath; sitting beside an elderly woman filled with cancer as she closed her eyes and passed into eternity; conducting memorial services where the deceased were entirely too young; sat with families in the emergency room as life support was plugged in; or by the bedside with a mother while the ventilator was removed from her child—knowing the action meant imminent death. I have ministered to some elderly and their family as life began to wane; counseled too many people who had lost hope . . . wanting it all to be over.
If you have troubles, trials, and pain in your life, I want you to know: “ 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” I want you to understand that JOY and HAPPINESS are NOT synonyms—they are not the same thing (Happiness depends upon circumstances. Joy comes from the Lord). You can have joy even when the world relentlessly presses in on every side. Joy does not depend on your circumstances. Joy is a wonderful positive emotion we experience in the innermost part of our lives. Even when we are goingthrough trials and tribulations, we can have joy!
When you get to your lowest point, and it seems like the enemy has you surrounded, you can look at Satan and quote the psalmist when he says in Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV): “ 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help. 2 My help comes from the LORD,” We can feel safe because in Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) He tells us: “ 10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Have joy and be of good cheer! Always in His Service, Pastor Ron Fellowship Church of the Nazarene