Mike’s Musings …
Sometimes It Hurts
Aches and pains are a part of life. From an early age, we learn to accept the realities of skinned knees, broken arms or legs, colds, flu, tonsillectomies, appendicitis, and progress to other more serious illnesses. By the time we reach our senior years, that “golden age” does not look so “golden,” and yet we find ourselves well-seasoned in the art of dealing with pain. Oh, it still hurts, but most have learned to accept it, “soldier on,” as we say, and recognize some can manage the hurt better than others.
While we recognize this in the physical realm, we must also remember the similar situation with emotional and, more intensely, spiritual pain. Too often, others view such pain as “childish behavior” because they are unaware of what harms your soul and can be devastating to your life. Worse, they fail to ask, thinking you should “buck up and take it,” as if your pain is “no big deal.” Galatians 6:2 has no meaning for such calloused souls, and you are left to suffer in silence, except for talking to God, who cares more for us than we can comprehend! (1 Peter 5:7)
Some souls mask their pain well, while others wear pain as an ornament. Some cry out for attention, while others fear that expressing any semblance of pain will draw unwanted attention. But heartache is just that – an aching heart! It needs attention from someone who genuinely cares. No, they might not know precisely how to rid you of your pain, but they can listen and direct you toward someone who can help alleviate the cause of your pain.
I muse on the comfort caring Christians have for one another (Hebrews 13:1). They have a “sixth sense” about them and know when a brother or sister needs to confront their non-physical pain. Usually, the cause of the pain is sin, and the only cure is repentance and obedience to God’s word. That is where the Christian is most helpful because they know from experience that sometimes it hurts to live righteously!