The paradox of pain is that the best way to be freed from it is to press into it. When we experience life in the valley, we want to make every effort to shortcut or short-circuit the pain. We slap a coat of paint over it. We dismiss it away with platitudes. Anything to silence the agonizing drone of suffering.

This does not solve our pain. It actually prolongs it. When we treat our pain like a beach ball that we try desperately to stuff underwater, one of these days it is going to pop to the surface in full force.

Pain is not solved by avoidance or denial. It is not actually “solved” at all. Pain is a unique life circumstance that can only be treated with honesty and hope.

Our best strategy is to approach pain with a perspective of truth. To lay our cards on the table, ask the tough questions, and experience it for all it is worth. When we share our pain with others, we are investing in relationships, and allowing God space to work. The One who is our comfort will be with us every step of the way. Pain is an opportunity to experience the valley of life with the Creator of Life.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
– 1 Peter 5:10