My friend, I can relate to the struggles of chronic pain. As someone who has experienced severe migraines, dislocated shoulders, broken bones, and even bone cancer, I know how debilitating it can be. But I also want to share with you the hope that I've found in my faith. You see, when we're in the midst of pain, it's easy to focus on the hurt and forget about the joy that's still possible. But Scripture reminds us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds (James 1:2). This isn't a denial of pain, but a recognition that even in the midst of suffering, we can still experience joy.
As a pastor, I've seen people struggle with depression and chronic pain, but I've also seen them find hope and joy in their relationship with God. When we fix our eyes on the true God, we begin to see that our pain is not the end of the story. In fact, our pain can be an opportunity to grow closer to God and to discover the depths of His love and care for us. It's not always easy, but with the help of the Spirit, Scripture, and wise people, we can learn to respond to our spiritual growth and find joy even in the midst of pain.
You see, my friend, pain is not the ultimate reality. Eternity is. And in eternity, our sufferings will be dwarfed by the joys of eternal life. The lessons we learn from our suffering will take on a new perspective, and we'll see that our pain was not wasted. It was a chance to grow, to learn, and to deepen our relationship with God. So, I want to encourage you to hold on to hope, to trust in God's goodness, and to seek joy in the midst of pain. It's possible, and it's a no-risk proposition. The worst that can happen is that you'll honor God and discover a joy that's greater than your pain.