WORSHIPPING THE PROMISE KEEPER
“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 (ESV)
One of my favorite movie lines is: Learning is a gift. Even if pain is your teacher. As believers, we are not promised a pain-free earthly life. In fact, the Bible says we will encounter many trials and hardships. What I’ve come to know is that we don’t have to be crushed by the weight of pain and suffering, for we have a God who encourages us to cast our burdens on Him and He will sustain us (Psalm 55:22).
Every day I live with chronic physical pain, and I am reminded of my physical limitations. On occasion, I find myself grieving the loss of what I used to be able to do. I’ve cried out to God, asking Him, Why? or Again, Lord? He answers: Yes…and you’ll know just where I’ll be… I have learned that throughout every season, whether deep in the valleys or high on the mountain tops, God’s promise to always be with me remains true and steadfast. And it’s from this truth that I can worship Him despite the pain and suffering. I can praise Him for His goodness and faithfulness and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for me in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
My pain has taught me to draw closer to God in times of struggle by spending time in the Word and in prayer, to place my hope in Christ, and to rely on His promises to see me through. As much as I plead with God, as Paul did, to remove this thorn, I’ve learned to be content trusting God in all things. God may not heal me physically on this side of heaven, but by and through the cross, I am fully restored–a promise I claim and know God will keep.
APPLICATION: Who or what do you turn to first in difficult times? Do you stand on the promises of God when faced with pain and suffering? Ask God to take your gaze off your circumstances and to turn your eyes upon Him.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for teaching me to stand on Your promises to be with me, in both good and difficult times. Clear the way so that I see Your goodness and faithfulness when pain and suffering distort my view. Help me to embrace difficulties as opportunities to learn more about You and grow my faith. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?