Psalm 107:1–3, 23–32; Job 38:1–11; 2 Corinthians 6:1–13; Mark 4:35–41
The right time. God moved at the right time. God’s timing is perfect.
From a purely intellectual standpoint, these are easy to say. It is much harder to say this in the midst of trial and be at peace with that truth. We will often tell ourselves that we trust God, but that doesn’t mean we are at peace with it.
Sometimes we aren’t called to be at peace with it.
Pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is God’s gift to us that something is wrong. One of the biggest ones is the pain of loss, particularly death. Death is the ultimate indicator that something is wrong in Creation.
Pain also often indicates that you need to do something. Just sitting in your pain, because you trust God’s timing or are “at peace” about, is not always the right or righteous move.
Pain, oddly enough, can also be disguised in positive events and positive moments, as these moments of transition mean letting go of the past.
The disciples didn’t just sit in their pain (fear). They woke Jesus up. That was wise.
Paul (and Timothy) didn’t just sit in their pain that the Corinthians appeared to be abandoning them or letting their love (of Paul and Timothy and/or God) grow cold. A letter was written and delivered. It was said aloud and shared among the Corinthians (and other churches).
Job didn’t just sit. He carthartically released his pain. We often think of the Book of Job as Job mostly sitting with the others. While he is, Job is also doing what a lot of us try to do when we are in pain (spiritual and emotional, especially)…we process.
※Reflection※
- What pain are you working through right now? What is the biggest obstacle for you in it?
- How is your pain impacting those around you, particularly those who are closest to you?
- How is your pain impacting your daily life and choices?
※Prayer※
God, you gave us pain to guide us. Help us to look at the pain we are dealing with to see how you can use it to transform us. Amen.
