Blessed Pain

To those of you in pain, I've learned something pretty important. 

Time does not heal.

Ignoring your pain and burring it deep inside does not heal.

Entering another relationship does not heal.

Finding new friends, picking up a new hobby, shopping (and I love shopping) does not heal.

Perhaps these things are aids, just as Medicine doesn't take a chronic illness away, although I hate thinking about facing one without the temporary relief it can bring.

"I am sad and hurting. God, save me and protect me. I will praise God in a song and will honor him by giving thanks". - Psalm 69:29-30 

Praising God in pain does not change the situation, it changes who we are.
Praising God in pain acknowledges that God is good, God is faithful, God is wise, and God is strong, despite all circumstances. 
Praising God in pain professes that we trust Him; it affirms 
that our hope is in Him and Him alone. 
And hope in God is the only hope that will never disappoint (Isaiah 49:23).

Praising God in pain reveals a deeper level of gratitude, one that is built on who God is and His sovereignty.

It is here that we are refined, sometimes disciplined, and overall tested in the purifying fires of God. Oh, how painful these fires can be!

It has never ceased to amaze me how often we pray away any discomfort... we pray for happy situations that spur on good feelings...

good weather for a trip
financial situations to be stress free
clarity in a decision needing to be made
a "yes" for being hired for a dream job
healthy babies
success
absence of conflict among family/friends...

While all of these things are well and good, it's not often in these times that we as humans have our eyes and ears open spiritually to our constant need of God Almighty. In times of sorrow, hurt, illness, grief, loss, misfortune, being betrayed, confusion, darkness, drought... We seek Him who is life and we learn and we grow in Him.

Dear Lord, Help me do better!! 
A heart that is grateful is much quicker to heal than a heart that is bitter.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold, though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7

More later when my hands can type....