What do you reach for when you’re in pain? For physical pain, maybe a pill or ice or a doctor. For emotional pain…? Maybe you reach for friends. Or maybe you take the opposite approach and ball up in the dark of your bed. Maybe you try for distraction with busyness, or the temporary numbness of alcohol or drugs.

This world is full of pain. It is sure to visit us all. And there really is no cure here on earth. Cheery, right?

Fortunately, there is a cure that is not of this world.

“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.” (Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

The One I should turn to when I’m suffering is God. When I turn to Him and cry out to Him in my pain, He promises to come. Not just into the room. He will be near me. He will sit right next to me and hold me close. And He will save me.

He whispers reminders of His love and His promise to remove all pain one day. He asks me to be patient and gives me real relief for today. And He sticks around. If I listen carefully to His still, small voice, I will hear His wisdom for the moment: Get out of bed. Take a shower. Eat something healthy. Call your friend. Let’s go for a walk. And remember how much I love you. I am right here.

Dear God,

Thank you for your beautiful promise to be near me when I turn to you in my suffering. Thank you for reminding me that it is YOU I need most. Nothing and no one else has the power to provide what I need. I look forward to the day when all pain is eradicated. Until then, help me to be patient and to always turn to you.