Pain, An Old Acquaintance
Every morning my alarm signals the start of a new day, a new beginning; so, to speak. As I inhale with thankful recognition that I am alive, I cringe with the unwelcome displeasure of discomfort. Mornings are usually met with the same concern; pain. I am no longer alarmed or surprised, instead, I retreat to the regular activities associated with ‘getting up’ or ‘starting the day’. Pain, unfortunately, is an old acquaintance. Over the years I fought long and hard to ascertain the direct source of the pain through various medical institutions, the occasional world wide web search and word of mouth discussions of the same.
Pain, “an unpleasant, sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage” [1], is often difficult to hide. It retards my movements, begs for more rest sessions, and dictates, at times, the quality of life I obtain. Nevertheless, those in my sphere are astonished by my answer to this question, “How are you?” My usual, no hesitation, reply, accompanied by a warm smile sounds like this, “Ah dey dey!” This colloquial phrase, in Trinidad, is used to indicate a state of being ‘alright’ or ‘taking it one day at a time’. My response is not given with an ounce of ‘pretense’. Conversely, I twisted the meaning of the colloquial phrase into something uniquely mine. If you would allow a short discourse on the phrase, I will attempt to explain the implications of my view.
As a human, I know that I have been created by an intelligent being (Gen1:26-28; Gen 2:7). I have never seen order established out of cosmic chaos, natural disasters or manmade destruction. However, I relish in the thought that God has created all from the beginning (Gen 1:1). The ‘I’ or the ‘Ah’ in the phrase above denotes that I am of humanity which was created and built by God. It is with this understanding, I know pain, in all its forms, was introduced after the Fall (Gen 3:1-24). The first man and woman decided to forge their own path, believing the lies (Gen 3:1, Gen 3:4) of an enemy that sought their ultimate destruction. Mankind, in this instance, no longer had faith in God’s word. They exercised the free will given to them by God and rebelled against Him (Gen 3:6-7). Pain quickly followed. The source of all our torments, the darkness that envelopes us and the plague that we are subjected to is sin. The advent of our sinful nature and all its consequences in the human body were inherited from Adam and passed on to the succeeding generations (Rom 5:12).
In retrospect, I believe that my pain tolerance is uniquely high for someone of my age but my mental fortitude bends under the weight of my agony. Regularly, I find myself resisting the urge to retaliate to people who utter the most ignorant, self-serving statements with regards to my old acquaintance. I find it difficult at times to adequately express my thoughts without inciting pity or sorrow from others. I recognise that it is commonplace to experience pain. Even in my dark hours, I rest assured, that one day there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain (Rev 21:3-4). Mankind’s rebellion against the Creator thwarted God’s original plan for us; unfortunately, mankind found itself in darkness, aimlessly searching for a way out. If I believe that pain quickly followed the fall of man; I must hold to the truth that God comforts those who turn to Him.
‘Dey, Dey’. It is almost impossible to hate the sunlight and disparaging to dislike the comforting warmth of the sunrise. It is problematic to suppress the urge to be grateful in a world created so beautifully. “There is not one blade of grass, there is no colour in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice” (John Calvin).[2] If one were to ponder thoughtfully, ‘joy signifies a tranquil and placid delight, an inward complacency and satisfaction, accompanying the practice of virtue and the discharge of every part of one’s duty to God’.[3] ‘Dey, Dey’ – ‘to be bright and Son shiny’ (my interpretation and motto) indicates that in his presence is “fulness of joy.” God is the Sun of my soul;[4] I delight in His goodness toward me and His law (Ps 119:68). As a believer, it is safe to state that joy is ongoing. I contain an ‘excruciatingly painful day joy’, a ‘tired of pain joy’, an ‘I’m okay today joy’, an ‘I hope this pain goes away joy’, an ‘I can conquer the world joy’ and many other variations of joy.
Nevertheless, I have joy! The gift of joy, after receiving it, does not negate faith. The gift of joy does not negate the emotions that I experience daily. The gift of joy does not eliminate my pain. Faith and joy, working together, however; changes my perspective of pain and how I choose to manage it. Faith in action is twofold; one-part belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and one-part trust in His Word, all of His Word. On the other hand, joy is the deep-rooted emotion of delight, gladness, and pleasure excited (stirred up) in a Christian by the knowledge of his present position in Christ and his future prospects in Christ.[5] His word declares ‘do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’.[6] God is exceedingly good and His will is beyond our comprehension; as I delight in Him, my spirit is encouraged to serve Him. Regardless of my state, ‘when the soul is joyous, afflictions appear light’ (Heb. 10:34; 12:2)[7].
Pain is temporary; joy is permanent. I do not have any special formula or specific instructions on the alleviation of pain; however, I firmly believe that God who forgives all our sins, also heals all our diseases (Ps 103:3). In my maintenance of joy; I have found that these practices maximize my experience of joy and all its benefits.
- The Word. Meditation on God’s Word (Jos 1:8) is extremely important, if not, vital to the life of a believer. If we are to journey as Christ ones, without God’s direction; our walk with Him will be futile. How can one serve a master without knowing what the master requires? Likewise, Christians must submit to God’s Word which is infallible and inerrant and inspired by Him (2 Tim 3:16); in His word, He revealed Himself to us. God’s redemptive plan for mankind; the Bible, is our standard for faith and practice. God’s Word serves as instruction, guidance, reminders, valuable accounts and encouragement. His word constantly confirms His promises toward us.
- Obedience. Obedience, in the Christian context, is the practice of hearing God’s word, understanding God’s word and carrying out God’s word (right living) with the right attitude. All believers are a part of God’s body (1 Cor 12:12) and have a special purpose. As a member of the body of Christ, a new lifestyle is required from all who believe. This newness of life demands strict adherence to the Way; it encourages all to hold to the word of God and perform your duty to God. God has given to each one all that he/she must supply (Eph 4:16) to the body. As we exercise our gifts (Eph 4:7-16; I Cor 12; Rom 12) and abilities to advance God’s kingdom; we inevitably produce fruit (Jn 15:5). Upon careful examination of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23); it is observed that one part is joy. As we willingly obey God’s word, we will bear much fruit; enhancing our lives and the lives of others.
- Prayer. Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17). There was a story told about a woman in ancient Israel; who was dealt with unjustly. Every day she visited the courthouse to pursue her matter before the unjust judge. Every day she was refused justice; regardless she persisted. The judge said, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me” (Luke 18). In the same manner, Jesus commands that we pray constantly and not lose heart. Numbering the prayers offered for healing on my behalf from others and me would be impossible. Yet; I still believe that God heals, and He can heal me. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8); which indicates that His characteristics are unchanging and consistent. Prayer strengthens my faith; which is fuelled by the Word and accompanied by God’s gift of joy.
My old acquaintance is tiresome and unwelcomed company; daily, I hopefully await the end of this season of pain. Nevertheless, pain is temporary, joy is permeant. As you journey through life; I encourage you with the words of my motto, “Be Bright and Son Shiny”!
Rashala,
Serving, even unto the ends of the earth!
[1] S.-Tan, Y. (1999). Pain. In D. G. Benner & P. C. Hill (Eds.), Baker encyclopedia of psychology & counseling (2nd ed., p. 817). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.
[2] Water, M. (2000). The new encyclopedia of Christian quotations (p. 536). Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd.
[3] Booth, W. H., Goodman, J. H., & Gregory, S. (1892). Nehemiah (p. 198). New York; London; Toronto: Funk & Wagnalls Company.
[4] Booth, W. H., Goodman, J. H., & Gregory, S. (1892). Nehemiah (p. 196). New York; London; Toronto: Funk & Wagnalls Company.
[5] Gingrich, R. E. (2004). The Fruits of the Spirit (p. 8). Memphis, TN: Riverside Printing.
[6] The New King James Version. (1982). (Ne 8:10). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[7] Booth, W. H., Goodman, J. H., & Gregory, S. (1892). Nehemiah (p. 197). New York; London; Toronto: Funk & Wagnalls Company.
This work is based on the opinion, expertise and/or experiences of the guest writer/blogger. The opinions expressed by the guest writer/blogger and those providing comments are theirs alone. Royalty Press United does not claim to own the rights to any information shared by guests as this is their own intellectual property and it is contributed as such at their own volition.
Rashala Joseph
Rashala hails from the island of Trinidad. A passionate and dedicated young woman, with formal education in International Relations, Psychology and Practical Ministry. She uses her unique gifts, knowledge and experience to serve God and others.
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