I have a theory that there are three types of pain in our life: sudden, chronic, and residual. Some of us have a high pain threshold while others are side lined at the smallest twinge. Regardless of our tolerance to the pain, what are we doing with the pain we have?
Sudden pain
This is the kind of pain that you don’t see coming. It hits you out of the blue in the middle of your daily activities. But the impact of it can drop you to your knees. Shooting back pain, stubbing my toe, or dropping my laptop on the top of my foot (that was NOT pleasant). It can also come in the form of betrayal, offense, or even physical harm.
Chronic pain
This is the dull, nagging pain that we manage to live with. We alter our lifestyles to accommodate the pain and avoid some activities all together. For years my right knee altered my way of life – climbing stairs or standing for long periods of time made it constantly stiff and painful. Chronic pain can also be the results of addiction or loss that creates a constant ache that is hard to endure.
Residual pain
Residual pain and chronic pain seem to play in the same sandbox in my mind. They are both pain that you live with and, in many cases, adjust your life to accommodate. But residual pain is pain radiating from a hurt deep pain you experienced in your past. For some, it could be abuse as a child or being victim of assault. For others, it may be words of rejection that replay over and over in their minds. Feeling unworthy of affection or ‘less than’ those around you.
Whether it’s sudden, chronic, or residual, many of us suffer with pain. When we take our pain to God and lay it at His feet, He decides to either take away our pain or use the pain to strengthen us. Either way, God makes us better.
I don’t know what kind of pain you’re enduring, perhaps several kinds. I pray you will take that pain, no matter how big or small, and lay it at God’s feet. Our Great Physician knows how to heal us in ways we cannot even imagine!
Be blessed,
Jennifer
“But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me.” Psalm 69:29
