Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea no longer existed. I also saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:1-4
My words…
Praise
Pain – the warning mechanism You placed in me so I wouldn’t die too soon. Pain is the lingering, unwelcome guest of life. It sits at the curb then arrives, uninvited and barging, rudely invading my space. It screams, “Something’s not right here!” I tell it to shut up and kick it back to the curb when the chemicals kick in. I throw the deadbolt. I never want to see its snarling face again. But in time, it kicks down the door or slithers underneath. As much as I dread its arrival, I know one thing for sure: when it decides to skulk away, its absence is so keenly felt. Each time the relief and comfort grow more precious. I treasure each pain-free moment. It is hard for me to imagine an existence where pain is not lurking nearby. Just because I can’t imagine it doesn’t mean I don’t believe it. You revealed it to the Apostle John, and he has shared it with me. How would I live if I did not have to worry about experiencing pain? I can’t wait to find out!
Prayer for me
Most of the blemishes on my body are associated with pain: wrinkles, scars, stretch marks. Ibuprofen is my new best friend. I am not praying to be pain-free. I am praying for the strength to find You during my pain-filled moments. Barbara Brown Taylor writes that “pain is one of the fastest routes to a no-frills encounter with the Holy.” You won’t always make my pain go away; instead You will use it as an avenue for us to meet and be real with each other because pain brings out the real.
Prayer for others
I wouldn’t think of praying to You about pain without petitioning for so many who live each day in physical misery. Pain clamps down on them in throbs and spasms. Pain pills, pain clinics, and pain management are as normal as three meals a day. I know You better than to ask You to eliminate all pain in the world, so I pray that those who suffer will have a no-frills encounter with You.
Thank You
When my children experience pain, it may as well be me. How often did I wish that I could suck the pain out of their bodies and into mine, like liquid through a straw. Then I remember Your pain, Jesus. How great was Your Father’s desire to draw that pain onto Himself to spare You, yet He didn’t. He didn’t because of me. I don’t like to think about Your pain. It troubles my soul. Without it, though, I would have no way to be with You someday. So thank You for bearing it. I hope You encountered Your Father in the midst of it.
