For some reason, I thought of pain this morning. I have experienced all sorts of physical pain – from 6 childbirths (all normal delivery), 2 surgeries, a broken leg, a serious burn, not to mention my ongoing struggle with migraine. I have also gone through emotional pain from disappointments, failures, separation and loss of loved ones.
How did I survive the pain? While giving birth, for example, I tried to focus on something I loved, like chocolate. With each contraction, I imagined myself eating a huge chocolate bar. The pleasant thought kept my mind away from the pain.
During painful times, I tried to project weeks or months ahead and pictured myself looking back and saying “I made it through.”
But, over the years, I have learned a more powerful way to overcome my pain. Focus on the cross. The cross is a strong reminder that Jesus Christ shared my pain and offered himself up for me.
I am not really in pain right now, just extremely tired from all the demands of my work, family and community. Perhaps the pain will come later, with aching joints, a burdened mind and possibly exhaustion. But even now, I know that I can lay down my tiredness, aches and cares at the foot of the cross. Pain is only temporary. Victory has been won.
If the LORD were not my help, I would long have been silent in the grave. When I say, “My foot is slipping,” your love, LORD, holds me up. When cares increase within me, your comfort gives me joy. (Psalm 94:17-19)
