Pain.
Something we’re all familiar with. Yet pain is also a reminder that where we are, here on earth, is an imperfect world. As the bible says, this IS a fallen world. And pain, suffering is but an outcome of it. And pain is God’s way of telling us that we are in a fallen, imperfect world. Just as bodily pain from stepping on a nail tells us something is wrong, the pain and suffering we feel, also tells us that there’s something wrong with this world.
Dealing with Pain.
The physical body deals with pain by telling us the source of the pain. Pain tells us where the cut, the bruise, the knock is localised. Immediately we treat the wound. If the wound is not treated it festers. Most of us know how to treat physical wounds. What about emotional pain? Emotional pain can be inflicted by caustic words, loss of loved ones, conflicts, unresolved situations, quarrels etc.
There’s no easy way to deal with emotional pain, here I’m offering some practical ways. Note that time DOES help in the healing.
Talk about it.
Talking helps one to deal with pain. As an outlet it allows one to process the experience/trauma. Gradually as one talks about it, one learns to accept the situation. Talking about it with others may also bring new insights and shared experiences.
Cry.
God’s in built mechanism for emotional release. Therapeutic and good for the soul.
Pray.
God knows our hurts and pain. Rest assured that He is there. Pray and ask for comfort, peace and healing. Don’t bother asking for God to take away the pain, or remove you from the situation. We need to go through the process of growing up.
Acknowledge the truth and the pain.
Acknowledging the facts helps. Don’t go into denial of the truth. It only makes the pain last longer. By accepting the truth about the situation will bring one closer to healing.
Engage in activities
Keeping the busy with other activities helps. This is not escapism. Time can heal, and filling your schedule with healthy activities such as exercise and sports helps. Meet up with friends for meals and catching movies will also help. Basically, don’t give yourself time where you become bored and start pondering over hurts. Keeping yourself busy especially at the initial phase of hurting helps.
Choose your attitude.
This has got to be the most powerful thing I’ve learnt about dealing with pain. I believe in choice.
How are you today? Still moping around the house and wallowing in self pity? Feeling sad all day? When going through tough times, I allow myself a max limit of 1-2 days to mope and wallow, moan and groan. Its perfectly ok to feel down. After the day(s) has passed, I ask myself how I want the next day to go. And I would remind myself that I can choose how the day goes. Choose to think positive things. Choose to give thanks to God. Praise Him. What an exercise of the will!
Trusting God
This, of course is the most important. Whatever you are going through, never lose sight of this. Else all things in life would seem meaningless in the midst of the pain and hurt. Trust that God is in full control of the situation and that whatever you are going through is purposed for your good, for your character development and moulding. A wise sister told me, “Sometimes it is just God saying no because its not the best for you.” and I realise that this is true when I don’t get what I desire, be it job, relationship, promotion etc. And ultimately God wants surrender from me.
Many folks tend to allow themselves to feel sad too long and wind up in a depressive state. It can be harmful if allowed to go unchecked for too long. Depression can set in resulting in terrible consequences. So if you’re in this state I’ve just described. Snap out.
My prayer is this will help the hurting.
(Dedicated to those I know who are going thru quite a lot now)
