Needless Pain

Pray without ceasing. – 1Th 5:17

“Man that is born of a woman” the suffering Job once declared, “is of few days, and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1). Though this may have come from a tormented and traumatised man, it’s difficult to disagree with him.  

Nevertheless, though pain and hardship is the reality of life because of the Fall, and even our Lord told us that “In the world you shall have tribulation,” He also said, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33). In several other places He drops reminders that the child of God need not go through the harshness of life alone.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” He says, “neither let it be afraid.”

I will not leave you comfortless:” and,

“lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

(Jn 14:18,27; Mt 28:20).

But how much of these do we take advantage of? While we may mentally assent to relying on the Lord to help us with life, the reality is only ascertained from our prayer life.

What have you been praying about, and how have you been praying about it? Joseph M. Scriven, in his 1855 hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” seemed to wail about the amount of burdens and care supposed children of God still go about carrying on themselves:

“O what peace we often forfeit, O what NEEDLESS pain we bear…

And his rationale for this statement is telling, even though unsurprising:

All because we do not carry EVERYTHING to God in prayer.

That’s the keyword there: “everything.” You don’t have to take it alone, you don’t even have to feel you should share the burden with God. Take it ALL to Him today, because He’s your very present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1).

“Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.” 1Pe 5:7

AMEN.

More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.

GREG ELKAN