Biblical Answer

Coping with Pain: A Biblical Perspective

As someone who has experienced chronic pain, I understand the overwhelming sense of hopelessness and despair that can accompany it. However, I want to suggest that there is more to our suffering than meets the eye. While it is true that pain can be a significant challenge, it is not the only factor at play. In fact, our pain can often serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth and intimacy with God. When we are in the midst of intense suffering, it is easy to forget that it does not stay at that level. With God's help, we can learn to jam our pain into every nook and cranny of our life, allowing us to notice real hope and transformation.

One of the most significant obstacles to coping with pain is the tendency to question God's love and forgiveness. When we are suffering, it is easy to feel abandoned and unloved by God. However, the Bible reminds us that God is always present and working in our lives, even in the midst of pain. In Psalm 139:1-6, David writes, "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether." This reminds us that God is intimately involved in our lives and is always working for our good, even in the midst of pain.

So, how do we cope with pain? First, we must recognize that our pain is not just a physical or emotional issue, but also a spiritual one. We must ask ourselves, "Is my pain a result of sin in my life that needs to be addressed?" or "Is my pain a result of my lack of trust in God's sovereignty?" By examining our hearts and lives, we can begin to identify areas where we need to make changes and seek God's forgiveness and healing. Second, we must learn to pray and seek God's guidance and comfort in the midst of our pain. This may involve praying for physical healing, but it may also involve seeking spiritual healing and restoration. Finally, we must remember that our pain is not the end of our story. With God's help, we can learn to see our pain as an opportunity for growth and intimacy with Him. As the apostle Paul writes, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5) By embracing our pain as an opportunity for spiritual growth, we can learn to cope with it in a way that brings us closer to God and leads to true healing and transformation.