I've walked with people through dark times, and I've faced my own share of struggles. As a pastor, I've seen how pain can be overwhelming, but I've also learned that it's not always the pain itself that's the problem, but how we interpret it. When I'm struggling, I try to take a step back and examine what's going on within me. I ask myself questions like, "What's causing this pain?" "Is it always this intense, or does it fluctuate?" "What intensifies it, and what decreases it?" By doing so, I've come to realize that pain is often a sign that something is out of balance in my life.
When I'm in the midst of pain, it's easy to feel like I'm stuck, like there's no way out. But I've learned that there are choices to be made, even when it feels like there are none. I can choose to fight, to distract myself, or to try to survive the day. But I've also learned that there are other alternatives, like seeking help, talking to someone, or seeking comfort in prayer. For me, prayer is a lifeline. I try to sit in silence, breathe, and look beyond my own misery. I pray the psalms, meditate on Scripture, and talk to God about my life. Some days, my mind is sharp and alert, and I feel God's nearness. Other days, it's a struggle.
As I reflect on my own experiences, I've come to realize that pain is not just a physical sensation, but also an emotional and spiritual one. It's a sign that something is out of balance in my life, and it's often a call to seek help, to talk to someone, or to seek comfort in prayer. I've learned that it's okay to not have all the answers, and that sometimes, the best thing to do is to simply sit in silence and breathe. By doing so, I've found that I can begin to see glimmers of hope, even in the midst of darkness.