Dear Dr. B,
I just don’t understand. Life is so terribly hard. Why doesn’t God protect us from pain? Why doesn’t God shelter us from more? Doesn’t He care?
Sincerely,
Pained and Wondering

 

Dear Wondering,
I’m so sorry for your pain. It’s never fun to be in pain, and so often we want God to rescue us from pain.

Sometimes pain comes as a consequence to our own behavior. Sometimes it comes as an attack from the enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). And sometimes, we won’t know why it comes. But there is still reason to maintain your hope even in the midst of pain.

10 Bible Verses to Help Maintain Hope in the Midst of Pain

 

1. Genesis 50:20

God promises that what the enemy intends for our harm, God can and will use for good.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)

2. Jeremiah 31:3

God loves you with an everlasting love. He is a kind God. He doesn’t do things to hurt you.

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

God is a good, good Father. He is kind and He loves us with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

 

3. Psalm 91:1-3

Sometimes God does rescue us from difficulty, but other times, He allows our difficult circumstances to help develop our character or to trust in Him.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” (Psalm 91:1-3)

4. Psalm 34:6-7

“This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:6-7)

5. Psalm 91:14-16

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)

6. John 16:33

The Bible tells us that in this world, we can expect to have trouble, but God assures us that He has overcome it all, and because of that, we can stay at peace.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

7. Isaiah 43:2

I’m comforted by His promises that even though we will go through difficult times, painful times, that won’t be the end of us, and He will be with us.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)

8. Romans 8:28

Even when God allows us to go through difficult times, we have the assurance that He will work all things—even our pain, for our good and for His glory.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

9. Joshua 1:9

God is not cruel. He doesn’t delight in seeing us struggle. And He promises that we won’t go through the pain alone.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

10. James 1:2-4

We can take comfort in knowing that even when He doesn’t rescue us from the pain, it has a purpose in our lives. Because of that, we can take joy and be thankful.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

 

In the midst of difficult situations, some have wondered, Does God care? Why doesn’t God protect us from pain? We may not know the answer for why we experience painful circumstances but we can maintain our hope in the midst of them by standing on promises in God’s word.

 

While I’m sorry that you are experiencing pain, I am thankful that it does serve a purpose, and that God in His faithfulness will see you through it so that you don’t have to face it alone. And when you come out on the other side of this painful circumstance, you will be able to comfort others with the same comfort God is showing you.

“who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Can I have the honor of praying for you?

Father, I pray for the one who is reading this right now, who is in great pain. Lord, I don’t have to know all the details, but you know and you care. Father, I ask that you will extend comfort to their heart, and peace to their mind. Assure them of your presence, and of your ability to work all things together for our good, even when we do not understand. We love you, Lord, and thank you in advance for how you will work this out for their good and your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 

A prayer for God’s help to maintain hope and bring comfort when we experience pain. Read more for 10 Bible Verses with promises that help us maintain hope in the midst of pain. #Bible #God #hope

 

Because of Him, #HopePrevails!

 

Resources to Overcome Worry, Fear, and Anxiety

The award-winning book, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip

Breaking Anxiety's Grip is available at most major book retailers. Order your copy today!

 

No question, we have a lot to worry about. Children, jobs, homes, health, finances, and more. The solution isn’t to rid ourselves of the sources of anxiety – as if we could. Instead, we need to recognize that anxiety originates from a spiritual influence and that we can fight back using the God-given weapons of power, love, and a sound mind.

We can discover true peace in an age of anxiety.

In Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares her own story of emerging from the battle with anxiety as well as the stories of others. She reminds you of your identity as a follower of Christ and of the peace he promises you in spite of everything.

She provides tools to cope with the crushing emotional burden of anxiety now and, more importantly, shows you how to reclaim God’s peace as a way of life so that you can break anxiety’s grip.

Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises is now available on AmazonBarnes & NobleChristianBooks.comBooks-A-Millionand other fine book retailers.

Click here to learn more:  Breaking Anxiety’s Grip

 

It’s never fun to be in pain, and so often we want God to rescue us from pain. It serves a purpose. God in His faithfulness will see us through it so that we don’t have to face it alone. For maintaining hope in the midst of pain, read more for 10 Bible Verses with promises from God. #Bible #hope #God

4K Shares
Share147
Tweet
Pin4K
Share
Email
%d bloggers like this: