A Question-What do we do with our pain?
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Oct 28, 2007 6:35 pm
Mood: Hopeful & Optimistic,
1221 Views
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IS ANYONE SUFFERING?
The physical aspect aside, the definition of pain, mental or emotional, is as follows:
PAIN-the distress or suffering caused by great anxiety, anguish, grief, or disappointment; a sensation of hurting or strong discomfort; the feeling of punishment or penalty.
The Bible contains a multitude of scriptures that refer to pain. In my quest to come up with a number, I was led to my trusty Thesaurus, and was somewhat amazed at all the words associated with pain.
acute discomfort, suffering, ache, misery, pang, throe, twinge, distress, hurt, agony, torment, affliction, torture, upset, wound, excruciate, crucify, anguish, sorrow, grief.
WOW!!!
And these don't include the many words that can lead to causing pain, such as:
betrayal, deception, lonliness, rejection, unfaithfulness, disappointment, slander, etc, etc, etc
Needless to say, my quest to count how many scriptures deal with pain, was short-lived. It could take a month to look them all up, so, suffice it to say, there are literally hundreds, perhaps even thousands of references to pain and it's synonyms. Do you wonder why that is? In the reasonings of my over-analytical mind, I did. My humble opinion? I have always believed that the Bible is God's Handbook for Life, and let's face it, life is full of pain. Is there anyone reading these words that HAS NOT felt pain, in one way, shape, or form? I think not. It's no wonder that God addressed the issue so frequently.
So, what do we do with our pain? How do we endure it? What can we do to ease our pain? What are the Biblical admonitions? Are there advantages to being in pain? Too many questions? lol Yes, I agree, and it could very well take a series of postings to answer them all, and I petition each of you to offer your advice and suggestions.
I am currently in a great deal of pain, and well-wishing loved ones have advised me to "try not to think about it" or "just let it go". I appreciate their intentions, but how do you do that?
How do you not think about it when something as simple as a single word or even a sound, can trigger that overwhelming ache in the middle of your chest? Or the panic of not being able to catch your breath? How do you not think about it when sleep eludes you for days and focus and concentration are unattainable?
Prayer is the #1 answer to how to ease our pain AND the advantage of experiencing pain. Prayer draws us closer to God, in our dependence on Him and in our trust in Him. It allows the Comforter, to comfort and makes tremendous power available.
Praise and worship, although difficult at times of extreme pain, takes the focus off of self, and places it on the God Who loves us so much, He saves every tear. It reminds us of His lovingkindness, mercy, and compassion. It forces us to contemplate and be grateful for every blessing He has given us, and fills us with the peace that passes understanding.
Reading the Bible is another method for easing our pain, and many times I am led to the book of James, only 5 short chapters, but full of wise and inspiring words. This week, the Holy Spirit consistently reminded me of James 1:2-4, Count it all joyful when enveloped in trials and tribulations. Be assured that the trial and proving of your faith, brings out endurance, steadfastness, and patience.
The first time I read this, I thought it was an oxymoron. Count it all joyful? But, since then, I have learned that the only way to acquire endurance, steadfastness, and patience, is to develop it during the hard times. There's no other way to obtain these qualities, than to suffer. The Bible is filled with countless words of edification and encouragement, and can lift your spirit, no matter how low you feel.
Finally, I would like to offer some practical applications that will help to ease your pain. For me, writing a blog about it has been very therapeutic, hahaha It also helps me to reach outside of myself and offer assistance to others. This will bless you more than it will bless them. There are dozens of ways to accomplish this, pick one that suits you and be a blessing. What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you.
Next, count your blessings, sit down and make a list of every blessing in your life, if you think hard enough, you can come up with many. Meditate on them, read them over and over, then thank God, out loud, for each and every one. An attitude of gratitude is extremely rehabilitating, when broken.
Lastly, it really helps me to laugh. It may sound absurd to laugh in the midst of suffering, but just try it. The scripture in Proverbs that states "Laughter does a heart good, like a medicine", is so true! The physical act of laughing releases peptides, or endorphins in the brain, which have a pain relieving effect and will lift your mood better than any drug. Watch a funny video or comedian, read funny stories, you can even go on the internet and read jokes by the hundreds.
It was my prayer, prior to writing this, that my words would be annointed, and provide hope to all who are suffering, as I am. Jesus sacrificed His ALL, so that we could have life, and have it in abundance, to the full, until it overflows. We may have to go through pain in our lives, and go through the valley of the shadow of death, but we don't have to remain there.
May our gracious and loving Father soothe every suffering soul, fill you with His joy, and give you beauty for your ashes.
I covet your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions, as it may help those, like me, who are suffering.
Thank you, and God bless you all!
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Hope this is not too risque for big church viewers!
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Jul 6, 2007 6:38 am
Mood: giddy,
1099 Views
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Let the TRUTH be revealed!
Just a cute little joke to pass on, hope no one is offended. If so, forgive me.
God was just about done creating humans, but He had 2 parts left over.
He couldn't decide how to split them between Adam and Eve, so He thought He might just as well ask them.
He told them that one of the things He had left was a thing that would allow the owner to pee while standing up.
"It's a very handy thing", God told them, "and I was wondering if either of you had a preference for it".
Well, Adam jumped up and down and begged, "Oh, please, give that to me! I'd love to be able to do that! It seems like the sort of thing a man should have. Please! Pleeeease! Give it to me!" On and on he went, like an excited little boy.
Eve just smiled and told God that if Adam wanted it that badly, he could have it. So, God gave Adam the thing that allowed him to pee standing up.
Adam was SO excited, he just started whizzing all over the place. First, on the side of a rock, then he wrote his name in the sand, and then he tried to see if he could hit a stump, ten feet away-laughing with delight, all the while.
God and Eve watched him with amusement, and then God said to Eve, "Well, I guess you're kind of stuck with the last thing I have left".
"What's it called?" asked Eve.
"Brains" replied God
Finally, the truth is revealed!
I'm so grateful that God has a sense of humor, after all, He created giraffes!
Laughter does a heart good, like a medicine. Have a great day!
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Where is the LOVE on Big Church?
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Jul 3, 2007 12:17 pm
Mood: shocked,
1166 Views
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WHERE IS THE LOVE?
OK, so I'm a newbie on this site, maybe that does not give me alot of room for an opinion, but here goes:
When I first joined big church, I was so inspired and uplifted by reading the blogs each day.The words of edification and encouragement made me feel loved and welcomed. I thanked God for allowing me to be part of a group of fellow Christians that loved and cared for one another, and prayed for each other.
But, the last few days.........................
WHERE IS THE LOVE?
What ever happened to:...by this, will all men know that you are Mine, that you have LOVE, one for another.
All this squabbling, bickering, and name calling, over doctrine? I think when we get to heaven, we will ALL find one thing or another that we missed the mark on. I'm sorry, but WHO CARES?
If I were an unbeliever, on this site to find out what this "Jesus" was all about, and read some of these blogs, I wouldn't want any part of it! And, I would certainly continue in my unbelief.
I implore you, in the Name of Jesus, whom we are supposed to be ambassadors for, please forgive each other, and let's get back to the LOVE we are supposed to be walking in.
If we can't love the lovely, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and carry a positive witness for Jesus, how will we EVER win the unlovely?
That's all I have to say, please forgive me if I offended any of you.
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