This past week has been a rollercoaster. If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you may know that I’ve struggled with anxiety and waves of insomnia for years. As that resurfaced for me recently, I’ve had to go back to old writings and reels to give myself a pep talk and remind me of the fact that I’ve come through before. What God has already done, He can do again.
Suffering, despite how incredibly painful or uncomfortable it may be, is often our best teacher. It is there in the fire that we, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, become aware of, drawn to and dependent upon another in the midst of the blaze, sustaining us through. When the heat dies down and we are finally delivered, we see that Jesus was with us even in the messy middle, held our hand when our struggles have threatened to take us out, and allowed us to step out without even the smell of smoke so that He may get the glory. People too notice how we suffered and came through to the other side They see that the miracles and hope we bear witness to in the impossible circumstances can only be attributed to a great God. While we hate our pain, both attacks from the enemy and self-inflicting wounds, God always gives it purpose. In seasons of suffering, our thanksgiving is a “sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). When my hallelujah is worn out, here are three things I have been so grateful for that carry me through until a strong song of praise is back on my lips…
1. Community
”Carry each others burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” -Galatians 6:2 We were never meant to walk through life alone. And, when we decide to try to be a super human, we miss out on the supernatural work that occurs when we “call in the calvary.” When we’re in intense seasons of suffering, call on your friends, family, and church. Ask them to help carry your burden and lighten your load. Thank God we don’t have to go at it alone. Go and reach out right now. Be transparent. Get the help and support you need. 2. Worship ”But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” -Psalm 69:29-30 As a worship leader, here’s my favorite thing about worship music— it give us the words when we don’t have them. We can praise before the breakthrough and allow the poetry and melody of a song seep into our souls and bring life to our bones. We can sing it until we see it. 3. Vulnerability and Intimacy ”And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” and immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” -Matthew 8:3 Jesus’ ministry revolved around physical touch and healing. He hugged and touched the sick to heal them. When my anxiety is particularly bad, I find myself (a very non-touch person) longing for an embrace. I walk over to my husband constantly and lean in to his arms saying, “Will you just hold me right now?” I squeeze my girls extra tight as they walk by on their way off to some other adventure. Vulnerability creates an intimacy between people you share burdens with and that connection is healing when you’re hurting. As my husband so wonderfully put it, “You may not feel like you can do this but WE can.” Suffering reorders our priorities into the correct progression. “We” replaces “me” as we confess the depth of our need and lean on others and ask for a healing touch from God. If thanksgiving is a sacrifice for you right now, know that you’re not alone. Reach out to others, sing until you see God move, and be vulnerable with people you can trust. Lean into an embrace, from a loved one and from God. You are loved. As my counselor told me, “The Father is fighting for you. He has already gone before you and has prepared spaces and places of rest and peace.” Keep giving thanks to Jesus as He holds you in the fire until you can drop your burden and receive the blessing of suffering well.
Think about it:
1. What is the greatest hardship or burden you are facing right now? How are you fairing in the fight? 2. Who has God placed in your life to surround you and support you? Think of and/or write down at least three names of people you can reach out to. 3. Find a worship song to make your battle song as you fight. What is it? What stands out to you about the lyrics? What are you singing until you see God move? 4. Are you scared to be vulnerable? Why is that? Is there a safe person or people who you could chose to be vulnerable with? What does it look like for you to ask for a touch from God?
Our Prayer:
Jesus, because you suffered on the cross to the point of death, we know you are well acquainted with our suffering. You are not scared of our pain or burdens and nothing is too heavy for you to carry. We thank you, even when our “hallelujah” is tired. We praise you for who you are trusting that if it’s not good, you’re not done yet. Until we are delivered, help us to, with weary hands and hearts, lift your name high. To you be the glory because victory is on the way. You are never late. You will not let the fire consume us and miracles are breaking out of the mess. We thank you in advance and can’t wait to see how you use our hurt to bring hope, our pain to grant purpose. In Jesus Holy name we praise, Amen
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