The weight of real-world pain

I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs all things for me. Psalm 57:2 NKJV

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 NASB 1995

---

Stepping out of the elevator and walking down the long corridor, her stomach-ache grew as she neared the hospital room entrance. What would she find? Could she bear the sight she expected to see? Thoughts of the years long journey of watching layers of painful choices and dashed hopes, that have once again culminated in a rock-bottom experience, for someone she dearly loved, flooded her thoughts. Just before stepping into the room, she whispered a cry of “help”, to the only One able to give what was needed to walk through this emotional upheaval. The only One who understands every ache, every question, every tear still lodged in our throat. And with that silent cry to God Most High, came the soul deep answer.

“My peace I give you…”

While you may not have experienced the exact circumstance described above, I bet there are challenges that have left you speechless in prayer (with the exception of a whispered cry of “help.”) Trials that have caused you, or someone you love, to cry to God Most High. Who alone understands, and who alone can do the impossible.

Notice in the hospital-room trial, that God provided a way to walk through the emotional minefield. Not a way to avoid it. And not a promise to remove it with a wave of His divine hand. A promise of His Peace in the midst of. And by implication; His very presence in the midst of.

Gathering courage founded on His peace and assured presence, she pulled back the curtain and stepped into the hospital room. The pain and emotional ache were as she expected and more. Even as His promised peace washed over her. A palatable peace that gave the ability to stand tall in the midst of the raw reality of that hospital room. Sustaining and flooding her with a peace that passes all understanding.

Truth that can bear the weight of real-world pain.

Yes, tragedies of life do occur and must be faced. But never alone. Never apart from His promises Promises that we can stand on and lean into. These are not just memes to be shared, but Truth that can bear the weight of real-world pain.

“My peace I give you…”

Father, Your peace literally sustains us. Every moment, with every trial we face. From the mundane to the horrific challenges of real-life. Thank You for Your gift of peace. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

To help you on your journey, click here for a FREE pdf of the devotional, Stony Paths, learning to trust Him as we walk along the Stony Paths of real life, or to purchase a hard copy.