I was asked many times this past week where new blog posts are. I realize, they are getting few and far between as of late. That is not intentional, and I'm not giving out. Rather, I've had my hands full with many things including the process of writing a book. Consequently, Life Of A Lizard has gotten placed on the back burner many days. Balance between a book and a blog is still something I'm trying to work out. But, I'll get there. Now, let's continue. Pain in life is inevitable. Suffering is optional. For example, any dedicated athlete goes through pain during training. However, they will explain to you that it's a "good pain". They know that pushing through the temporary pain and uncomfortableness they are experiencing is only making them stronger. It's not the pain that tears you down, it's your response to it. As, some of the happiest people live in constant pain.
Some people can handle pain better than others, but either way, it affects us all. Most of us have an extremely low pain tolerance. It doesn't take much before we can't handle it any longer and we desperately search for some relief. We don't like to be uncomfortable. Physically, emotionally or spiritually, when we are in pain, we run for something to take it away. We each have our pain relievers we rely on. Physically, we seek out the Tylenol and Advil bottles, or one of my best friends, Bengay. Medication or natural remedies bring us comfort in times of physical pain. Other types of pain that come with life are often more excruciating, harder to deal with, and more difficult to relieve than physical pain. Still, we each have our arsenal of "pain relievers" we use when the pain begins to make it's way into our lives again. We take a dose of Denial. This pain reliever may possibly be the worst one could take. I have learned those who suffer, and try to deny the pain, cover it up, and pretend it never happened hurt worse than those who deal with it. The pain magnifies when you try to pretend it's not there. You can't run away from pain. Pain attaches itself and becomes part of your life; you can't run away from yourself. Not only that, but when denial wears off and we finally do face reality, it's going to be a lot harder. We take a strong dose of Friends. Now, I'm all for friends. However, we can tend to use friends as our pain reliever, thinking they can make it go away. Friends, or family, were never meant to take that place in our life. There is a great comfort that can come from knowing someone else is there for you and that will listen. But, every human has their own problems, and knows just as little about relieving your pain as you do. We consume ourselves with Hobbies. For some reason, I suppose video games stand out the most to me. Probably because I have seen it done. But before all the gamers get deffensive and mad at me, it can be applied to anything such as that. For example, Pinterest is my "video game", in that, it's my go-to activity. Other things including, but not limited to, Music, Work, and Excersize tend to be use as ways to escape our pain. Even food can be a "pain reliever" in many ways. Come on, why else would there be so many "Comfort foods"?! We all have our things we turn to when we are in pain. We sleep the pain away. As I opened my Bible last night, my eyes went to this verse. Job 7:13, "...My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint" Isn't that what we do sometimes? Well, it doesn't go away. The next verse says "Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions". You can't escape this way! And kind of like denial, we're hoping it will go away on it's own. Rather than facing the issue and enduring the pain, we ignore it, trying to gain some relief through our sleep. After all, when you're asleep, you're not sad, you're not hurt; you feel nothing. But, it's not going to help; it'll only make it worse. Many seek relief from Drugs or Alcohol. Personally, I have never had an issue with these as I've seen the effects they have on one's life. But, I know many who do. This is an empty road. Some try to 'drown their sorrows' and forget everything, even for a moment on some high. But, once reality returns, you're left in a worse off position than you were before. Not only are you still in pain from before, but now you're in the grips of potential, or propable, addiction. It's much better to stay away from this type of "Pain Reliever" all together. "WINE is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoseover is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20.1 Now, I haven't even touched the surface of the many things we use, but I think you get the idea. However, there's a flaw in the whole "Pain Reliever" thing. What we use to bring us comfort, doesn't take the pain away, it simply covers it up. (Why are the Febreze commercials coming to mind? ;) ) We do or use things to drown our sorrows and escape reality for a time, but numbing the pain only makes it worse when you finally do feel it. None of our remedies will ever remove the pain. That's because we are using fake versions of it. We're not using the real thing. The only thing that can soothe the human heart is the presence of the One who made it. As humans, our lives are consumed with a never-ending search of something (or someone) that will comfort us. We are often led to believe that there are many paths to relief from the pain this life brings. But, we are left dissapointed and wanting. That's because we are indulging in things that are faulty. They have been tested, and the results prove they lack what's necessary to provide true comfort and relief. When we need anything, we really need Him. He is the only true comfort, peace, and relief availible. Even if we must simmply endure the pain, He will give us the strength and grace to do so. Nothing else on this world can give us such a hope and promise. The next time you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you get hurt, or the pain and struggle returns; dont grab your all-to-familiar pain reliever, run to Christ. Go to the real thing. Get relief from the source. Settle for nothing less than the best. Deuteronomy 31.8, "And the LORD, he is is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neitherforsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Matthew 11.28-29, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest..." 2 Corinthians 1.3-7, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;..." Psalms 55.22, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." John 14.27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Psalms 23.4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalms 9.9, "The LORD aslo will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." John 14.18," I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Lizzy parkerMarriage.
Motherhood. Ministry. Missions. Archives
January 2023
|