Rejoice Even In The Pain
Pain is something I’m used to night and day. Trying to focus on anything is difficult especially with medication that keeps me foggy. This stuff changes your entire approach to life. I’ve been fighting with it all and through it all for almost 1000 days. However, I’ve finally reached a different way of coping.
Now, I’m not content or happy with my situation. I’ve simply had to accept that this is where God has me for now. I’m wounded, broken, and in many ways just a fraction of the old me. However, I’m gonna continue to smile even in the rain. I’m going to find reasons to rejoice even in the midst of my daily pain. I’m gonna trust God no matter what has or does happen.
What I’m saying is I’ve learned that you’ve still gotta choose to rejoice even when the pain runs deep. After all, pain is one of God’s greatest agents in shaping our faith and giving us perspective. Pain is often your biggest platform to demonstrate that the joy of the Lord truly is your strength. Let the tears flow for healing. But, choose to see and celebrate God’s rainbow of promise to all who trust in Jesus Christ.
I know I’m still a work in progress, but I sincerely thank God for my pain. Because it’s only been through this painful journey that I’ve seen firsthand that God is near to the broken-hearted. He does give strength to the weary. There still can be joy even in the midst of great grief. For those who are in Christ always have hope and reason to rejoice.
“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
(Philippians 4:4-8)(Amplified)
Pastor Craig Crosby 