Why Pain?

   “God whispers in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” (C.S. Lewis, “The Problem of Pain”)

   It’s easy to drift along paying little or no attention to God when things are going well.  The days are enjoyable and there is nothing bothering us.  In these times many seem to push God out of the way as if He might interfere with their pleasure.  They want to focus on how well things are going rather than give Him the praise for their happiness and peace.

   Without some pain and difficulty in our life we think we can manage quite nicely on our own; we don’t need God’s constant presence.  Oh, we still go to church, but even then we are many times focused on our plans for the day rather than the blessing that is before us in worship.  As our focus on God lessens our sinfulness increases.

   God takes notice of our growing sinfulness and speaks to us through our conscience, reminding us of His will and the fact that we are moving away from it.  If we listen to Him we will repent of our sins and ask forgiveness.  But we also must determine to change our life and try our best to avoid sin going forward.  Our conscience is a blessing of God to help guide us along the way.

   Even with our conscience nudging us we may continue to drift from God.  Satan tells us that God knows we aren’t perfect.  Even He expects us to fail every now then.  It’s no big deal so don't worry about it.

   When we ignore His whispers in the good times and pay no attention to His voice in our conscience, God may shout to us in our pain.  Our pain is in a way one of God's greatest gifts.  If in our pain we turn to Him, He will help us bear our burdens.  He longs to give us His love and mercy.  He will answer when we call.

Lord speak to me in my pain.

Let me know of Your love and mercy.

Give me Your peace and comfort in pain.

Bring me to Your place where pain is no more.

Amen