DAY FOURTEEN~ Invitation to Live Assured

Scripture~ Psalm 23 (NIV)

 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;  my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

My Lesson~ Okay, I’ll admit it. I’ve never been good about embracing pain. Actually, I try to ignore it; be it physical, emotional or even spiritual. I’m thinking about this because today, we’re  taking Bella to get her shots. I’ll be exposing her to the very thing I try to ignore; pain. 

Guess you can tell I’m not looking forward to this, huh? As you know, she hates the car, and the last time she got her shots she cried and jumped into Glenn’s arms who was standing next to the vet tech as soon as she was done. Her little eyes held panic in their depths. She was a wiggling, squirming, crying mess. She saw me and jumped from Glenn over to me as if to say, “Mom, help!” The problem was, when we held her, it put pressure right on the area that was injected and it obviously hurt. She tried to climb up over my shoulder, though I’m not sure where she thought that would take her. Bella just wanted to get out of there! 

Her shots aren’t optional. We need to get her license and for that, proof of immunization is required. This pain is unavoidable and just part of life. As a nurse, professionally, I understand this, but still don’t like it -- especially because sometimes I’m the one who is called to bring about temporary pain for prevention or healing. I have seen the effects of all kinds of pain, in a multitude of ways, in all different kinds of circumstances. However, you don’t need to be in the medical field to see or experience the devastation it can cause. Just look at the people in the grocery store, the evening news, your neighbor, perhaps someone in your home-- maybe even you’re facing hurt of some sort right this very moment. In light of all this, I know that what our little puppy needs to endure in a few hours, is really nothing -- and yet, perhaps it should be. As her doggie-parent, this appointment gives me a chance to see things from a different perspective. I know she’ll have pain, and yet I’m taking her to that very place out of my love for her. It makes me think of my Heavenly Father. What’s His response to my pain? Does He too allow me to go through hard things because He knows they are necessary for me and actually my wellbeing in the long term?

Today, may I rest in the certainty that He is with me, holding me, and offering His comfort. I may not understand why this issue in my/our lives needs to be this way, but He does. It’s not in vain. Instead of focusing on whatever is causing me discomfort -- may I focus on the truth that He is with me and will give me everything I need to endure this temporary trouble. His Word tells me eventually, there will be no more sorrow or pain. All things will be made new. Oh, what a glorious promise. 

Prayer~ Thank you, Lord, for the lessons You are teaching me through our pup. Thank you for the reminder of Your love for me. Grow my trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. Hold me firm when, due to the pain of life, I try to wiggle and squirm out of Your arms. Comfort those who need comfort. Show me how You want me to be Your hands and feet today. May I willingly help ease/shoulder someone else's burdens and point them back to You, who’s love and mercy never fails. In Christ name, Amen. 

Invitation~ Instead of focusing on whatever is causing me discomfort -- may I focus on the truth that He is with me and will give me everything I need to endure this temporary trouble. The second invitation/challenge is: see where you can encourage and pray for someone around you who is suffering from pain. How does God want to use you as His hands and feet to minister to them in their time of need?