You Are Not Alone

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

Some days, I just lose it. Literally! I get mean, short tempered, grumpy and whiney. Pain turns me into a person I would cringe at meeting. Clenched fists, shortness of breath, and worst of all- the scowl on my face indicating a low tolerance for patience. Where is that other person I used to be? Where are my smiles and laughter?

When I’m in pain from a nerve flare-up I rarely notice who I become. It’s ugly. Where did my ambition go? Why can’t I just push through? So many questions flow from my furrowed brow- I just get frustrated. I feel like this little princess trapped in a huge brick tower screaming to get out! My normal self has been walled off by this chronic pain- hijacked by the monsters of negativity and frustration. Why do I feel so alone?

Jesus is my precious stronghold of HOPE. No matter the pain, His precious words of love encompass me even when I am unable to hear them. This is priceless for chronic pain sufferers. Pain can feel so inky dark sometimes. God remains faithful by never abandoning us.

I fail so many times as a Christian by thinking I can handle pain by myself. It wraps itself around my core squeezing and distracting me from my Jesus. This distraction is part of our human nature, just as much as pain is a part of this fallen world. As alone as I feel sometimes, God never abandons me. Frustration, anger, impatience, and isolation are all choices we make.

I have no idea what you guys are going through- you could be going through the most nastiness situations or you could be at the top of your mountain. On this daily journey of ups and downs, Jesus walks with us. Is it really that simple? You bet. It’s not in Jesus’ nature to be confusing or complex.

It’s easier to go through your pain by holding onto Him. It’s that simple. Will you depend upon Him?

~Author: Sarah A. Miller, MA at Miller Counseling Services, PC