In Jesus, Pain Has Somewhere to Go
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NRSV
No one is exempt from pain and suffering. Whether physical, emotional, or relational, pain is a part of our human existence. Some try to hide from pain altogether, choosing to live in isolation. Others attempt to numb their pain through addiction, believing that it will somehow disappear completely. And finally, many choose busyness as a way of coping, sadly avoiding any opportunity to reflect upon, process, and ultimately find healing for their pain.
But our pain doesn't just disappear! Instead, it often lurks just below the surface of our day-to-day activities. In time though, it usually begins to spill out into every area of our lives, affecting those we love most.
"When those in pain do not know how to live with or where to put their pain, Jesus invites them to put their wounds in his own bleeding hands. In Jesus, pain has somewhere to go. On the cross Jesus absorbed and died for all the wounding and sin of the world. In him all pain can be transformed into something redemptive.”(1)
Through prayer, we can experience inner healing for our soul as we bring our pain and suffering into the transforming presence of Jesus. As difficult as it may be, you and I can choose to sit with our pain in the presence of Jesus, waiting as He redeems it for His glory.
Notes: (1) Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, pg. 256
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