Living With Pain
MUSIC BLOG
06-12-2025
LIVING WITH PAIN
Whenever I hear about people living with pain, I remember the old joke, where the wife says something like: “I woke up with my old pain this morning, but then he went to work and left me alone!” It would be so nice if getting rid of our aches and pains were that simple. Like many of you, I live with minor but constant pain. It serves as a reminder of my frailty and a sledding accident that went terribly wrong in 2010. But that’s another blog. Pain is something we live with, or most of us anyway. Sometimes our pain keeps us in a fog. Sometimes it feels like lightning. Pain can alienate us from those we love and from doing things that would normally energize and satisfy us. Since we inevitably live with pain, what can we do to minimize its detrimental effect on our lives and our activities? I am not a counselor but according to others, such as Proverbs 31 Ministry, pain is real and as a Christian we have the grace and opportunity to invite God into our pain. Pain oftens masks as depression or is combined with depression. Finding someone to share a burden with can do a lot in lightening your burden and getting rid of pain. I’ve borrowed a bit from the Proverbs 31 page. I hope it encourages you. Feel free to share it with a friend.
Living with pain devotion involves acknowledging God's presence and purpose in suffering, seeking His strength, and finding ways to integrate faith and healing practices into daily life. This can include prayer, finding strength in scripture, connecting with a spiritual community, and practicing self-care activities that promote well-being.
Here's a more detailed look at how to live with pain devotion:
- Acknowledge and Invite God into Your Pain:
Praying about your pain, both physical and emotional, can be a powerful way to connect with God and find strength.
Remember that God is present in your suffering and invites you to draw near to Him for peace, healing, and closeness.
Remind yourself that you are loved, gifted, and wanted by God, even in the midst of pain.
- Find Strength in Scripture:
Reading and meditating on scripture can provide comfort, hope, and a deeper understanding of God's perspective on suffering.
Many verses speak to finding purpose in pain and offer encouragement during difficult times.
- Integrate Faith and Healing Practices:
- Spiritual Support Groups:
Connecting with others who understand and share similar experiences can be a source of encouragement and support, according to MedCentral.
- Nature:
Spending time in nature can be a calming and grounding experience that connects you with God's creation.
- Mindfulness and Meditation:
Practices like deep breathing and mindfulness can help manage pain and reduce stress.
- Gentle Exercise:
Light physical activity can improve mood, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being.
- Rest and Sleep:
Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is crucial for managing pain and promoting healing.
- Distraction and Positive Thinking:
Engaging in activities that take your mind off the pain, like hobbies or spending time with loved ones, can be helpful.
- Seek Professional Help:
Don't hesitate to seek professional help for pain management, including physical therapy, medications, or other therapies.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges related to pain, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
- Offer Support to Others:
- Praying for Others:
Praying for others who are suffering can be a way to extend God's love and compassion.
- Offering Support:
Listen to and support others who are experiencing pain, offering a listening ear and emotional support.
By combining faith, healing practices, and professional support, you can navigate the challenges of living with pain and find a path towards healing and wholeness, according to Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Blessings,
Marty