Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our gentle God, who cares deeply for us. He cares in every way, including the ways that matter most. God declares, “I care when your spirit is hurting.”
There are different kinds of pain. Even in the realm of physical pain, there are varying levels; a heart attack or traumatic accident rank higher than a paper cut or a common headache. Beyond the levels, some pain is easily perceived by others, while other pain is overlooked and perhaps misunderstood. People can see a broken bone or a bleeding wound, but the pain of some illnesses is internal and hidden. Physical pain, however, is not the worst pain. There is pain that can exist deep in the spirit where no one can see it. Often people cannot understand it even if it is described to them. This pain of the spirit can be agonizing and crushing, even making someone feel that he cannot survive it or go on. When it comes to this kind of pain, God says . . .
“My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long? Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake” (6:3-4).
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (23:3).
“Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul” (25:1).
“Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses” (25:16-17).
“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities” (31:7).
“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about” (32:10).
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (34:18).
“Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul” (54:4).
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (55:22).
“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” (56:8).
“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (61:2).
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us” (62:8).
“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me” (63:8).
“Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue” (66:16-17).
“Because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me” (86:17).
“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul” (94:19).
“Like as a father has pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust” (103:13-14).
“Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant” (119:76).
“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthedst me with strength in my soul” (138:3).
“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path” (142:3).
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds” (147:3).
God says, “I see your tears and your anguish. I see when your heart is crushed and broken. I know your pain, and I know when that pain increases to a level you feel that you can’t withstand. I know your weakness, and I have great compassion for you. Lean on Me. Talk to Me about it. I am ready to hear you. I will support and uphold you. I will comfort you with My lovingkindness. I will strengthen you inside where you feel so weak and give you boldness to carry on. I will heal your pain and restore your soul. Lift up your wounded soul to Me. Cling to Me, and let Me sustain and restore you with My love and support.”
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
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