CHARTING THE PAIN

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and
all that is within me, bless His
holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and
forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Psalm 103:1-3

For several weeks now, I have been basking in Psalm 103. I would encourage anyone taking a look at it. The first five verses are full of so many “I will's” of God that are mind blowing. In verse three, I so appreciated God's forgiveness of my sin, but who also heals ALL my disease, whatever it may be.

For months I prayed for healing of a bad knee without having to seek medical intervention. However, it seemed I should seek orthopedic help. After all, God heals all our disease even when medical services may be needed. God still should get credit for our healing.

One thing in this process I knew about already but became more personally aware of and that was of a pain chart. It's very simply a line numbered from 1-10. When asked my pain level by a nurse or doctor, I was to respond according to that magic line with the numbers....one being the lowest level of pain and 10 being the highest. I don't know how many times I've been asked, “What is your pain level?” I guess it gives the professionals an idea of the status of the patient's healing progress.

In the process, I was thinking along the way if we were to presented with just such a chart but not related to physical pain. Using the same form but looking at our spiritual status, I wonder how I would view my own spiritual health. Unfortunately, our spiritual well being can vary at times depending on our good or bad circumstances.

The thing that encourages me is that God doesn't need any kind of chart connived by human beings. He is well aware where you and I are all the time whether we be in pain or concerns be physical, emotional or even spiritual. He meets us at every place in our lives. He not only knows where we are in our various states of being, but has the answers and healing we need. He is not a Heavenly Father afar off. He waits for us to cry out to Him for His loving care. I'm afraid in our struggles, we call on others before giving God a thought. We know from His Word that He loves us beyond any human love. We also know that nothing is impossible for God and He will always work for our good. Where are we today on that little chart 1-10 in our relationship with Him?

Thank You Father for Your patience with us as we scuffle about trying to solve so many of our situations without giving You a thought. Our love and trust at times is feeble at best. Forgive our lack of faith and help us in Your strength to seek healing and to be renewed in our faith. We love you. In Jesus' precious name....Amen