If you are a bible reader, you must have at one point come across the portion of scripture that says “Many are the affliction of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 In simple terms, the righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.
It might interest you to understand that our righteousness is only because of our faith in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us; “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2Cor5:21” From that perspective therefore, we can understand that it is a reality that we go through many things in life, but it is also real that God always comes to our rescue, for His love never fails.
While it’s easy to run with this assurance as an everyday anchor, I just felt like we needed to have a conversation on the process of the ‘deliverances and rescuing’ of God in our unique experiences.
We all go through hard times and as a matter of fact, the previous month alone had some of my friends in the most uncomfortable experiences, with some losing loved ones, property, and many other things dear to them. For me, it has for the longest time been that which ensues from betrayal, immature and carnal misunderstandings, slander and the shame and guilt that come with that. My ultimate question has not been whether or not this too shall pass, or whether or not it is well with our souls, but rather the ‘hows’ of dealing with whatever is happening around us. As interesting as life is, what we experience can either make us or break us, and so it is important to learn to rule our spirits and to understand how to respond to the things life throws at us quotidianly.
One of the most important things to remember in this process is who you are and whose you are. Your identity, especially in God, plays a big role in how you see life and how you deal with life’s experiences. Knowing the truth about who you are in God, and who God is to you, is a major weapon in dealing with painful experiences.
Pain is like the waves that crest and crash at the shore, but once you learn to ride the wave, sooner or later you will be on the shore. You understand it’s coming up, try to find support, take care of yourself, and then allow it to go.
Nonetheless, it’s human nature to want to avoid painful experiences. For example, when we lose someone important to us or things dear to us, we may feel like we won’t be able to cope with the pain of grief. But we only learn about our capacity to handle things by moving through them. When we try to stifle or avoid our feelings, they can come on that much stronger when something triggers them. And so, making space to experience and deal with painful emotions allows us to practice our resilience and grow our own internal resources.
I’ve also realized that in such seasons of pain and hurt, it is so important to take care of your body and to be gentle with yourself. Pain, grief and afflictions are so exhausting, and therefore during such times, you need to carve out time for naps, eat nourishing foods, and drink plenty of water, you know!😄.
The pain of grief for example is itself hard enough to tolerate, and what can make it more challenging is when you or other people around you tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you feel: anger, sadness, even relief. The emotions that accompany grief are all valid, and much as they might not be true, they can only be dealt with according to the truth if they are firstly acknowledged. Faith is not denial but rather evidence of things hoped for. Everyone comes to their loss experience with their own story, their own unique context and meaning, and whatever they are feeling at a given moment, it always makes sense.
Though we all have past experiences that may influence how we see ourselves, the process of dealing with pain provides an opportunity to reflect on what matters most to us, because it is a natural response to loving something or someone. It gives you a reflection about the person you want to be in the face of life’s challenges. In the fullness of time, considering the choices you have in how you face suffering and pain can be a powerful exercise.
Finally, you are not alone; don’t allow your mind to deceive you that you are alone. There are people around you who are willing to walk you through that season, be a shoulder to lean on, and to give you the company you need to beat whatever kind of painful experience you are facing. Just acknowledge that you need help and find it. Trust that God can heal you through the people around you, and that your days ahead are better. Come to think of it; Does it hurt you to see your loved ones suffering? The same goes for your loved ones when they see you suffering. Don’t lock yourself up in your room and avoid others. Let them in, it benefits both them and you. Humans are social creatures, isolating yourself ends up exacerbating your pain.
Connection is the antidote.
Otherwise God will be your anchor, He will sail you through every storm, strengthen your relationship with him, and you will come out of that season stronger, wiser, and victorious.
Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in His name. Hallelujah.
Stay Blessed.
#WiGTyT
