A good friend of mine who is a massage therapist made the theme of her studio “make peace with your pain.” As we were talking, she explained how her hands read a person’s body to determine the etiology of their pain and then how she uses various techniques to minimize the conditions causing the pain. And if one is interested in addressing the pain—her techniques are not necessarily a fluffy feel-good experience. But they work. Furthermore, in my experience as one of her clients, the location of the pain is not always the same as the etiology. For example, the pain in my hands often means there is a problem in my neck or scapula area. So…
To find relief from the pain in my hands, several other areas of my body require work.
And the results are not typically immediate. But this is the difference between the kind of massage that gives temporary relaxation and the kind that works to solve the underlying problem. I once asked her half-jokingly, “Does anyone come to you for a foo-foo massage?” She replied, “Nope. All my clients want the kind of massage that fixes the problem.”
Wow, what a great lesson for spiritual growth!
We make peace with our pain by addressing the etiology and doing the hard work instead of simply finding ways to temporarily escape it.
This reminds me of the lessons God is teaching me about the power of thankfulness in affliction. I’m so grateful the Bible reminds us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Pain serves a purpose—if only to remind us that we are alive.
Pain is something we will experience in this body until we draw our last breath here on earth. We may as well make peace with it instead of allowing it to drive us off the cliff of anxiety.
Making peace with pain is a multifaceted attitude. The proper response depends upon the kind of pain we’re experiencing. If our pain is caused by our own bad choices, we may need to make painful behavior modifications; if our pain is caused by someone we love, we may need to make adjustments in the relationship; and if our pain is caused by death or disease, we ALWAYS need to draw closer to God for comfort. This too, can mean painful sacrifices like—getting up earlier for a quiet time.
My friend, to make peace with your pain does not mean you have to love it—it just means you give it the attention it deserves so you can navigate life without it derailing you. That’s why giving thanks in affliction is so important. It is a mental and spiritual training which causes us to re-route our thinking about pain and gives us peace amidst the trouble. It’s a tough habit to develop. It’s painful. 🥴 But as you do, you will find that there is less and less trouble in this world that can steal your joy and peace. God’s promise is real:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
