“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
I have spent most of the past two days in bed, and yet the pain continues. This flare has already lasted 4 or 5 days. Chronic pain, severe neuropathy, and there is no idea how long any flare may last. I cannot sleep for very long, and yet I beg for sleep to come to ease the pain.
In the darkness,the pain is magnified and lying in bed sleepless can be frightening. Usually I am one of those obnoxiously happy people who not only sees the glass as half full, but I will also exclaim over how very pretty the glass is as it shines in the sunlight.
But as I stay in severe pain for a long time it is easy to fall into melancholy. Webster’s Dictionary describes melancholy as a “sadness or depression of spirit.”
Over the years I have learned that the best thing to do in this case is to move from the darkness, into the light of trusting in and praising His Son. I move out of the darkened bedroom where my fear and pain loom large, and go to my cushioned rocking chair and ottoman, with my herb tea and soft quilt. Sometimes having a slight rocking motion interrupts the muscles spasms of RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome).
Another big help is having a small stack of comforting scriptures written on index cards by my chair. I read one or two aloud and then ponder quietly and pray. Many comforting verses are found in the Psalms.
- Psalm 16:7-8 “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
- Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
- Psalm 62:5 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
I have another favorite that may be unfamiliar, and I hope it is a blessing as well.
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Prayer: Father, I thank you that You are the light that shines in the darkness. I thank you that you are our Rock and salvation. Father, hold those who hurt tonight and cover them with Your peace.
Amen.
About the Author:
Sandra Platt is a Pastor’s wife and Mother of two young adults. She has had Fibromyalgia for nearly 20 years, and many other chronic pain conditions. She praises the Lord for the strength He provides, and the many friendships she has made through her writing for Rest Ministries.
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 