Pressed, But Not Crushed

Reading: Psalm 116

There is so much tragedy in the world that for our sheer sanity, we often become numb to the pain of others. It isn’t right, though. Pain is pain and should be recognized. But we sometimes forget how much life can hurt until something happens to us personally. You can only be sheltered from tragedy for so long.

There are times in most of our lives when sorrow and stress and circumstances press us so greatly that we fear we won’t survive. We can’t see through the pain to another moment, let alone another day. Our hearts are broken. Our will is beaten down. It seems as if there is no goodness in the world and that no one really cares or knows this kind of pain.

It is during these times that two important things are likely to happen to those who believe.

1. A believer will fall to his/her knees and admit to God that he has no control in the situation and that he needs relief.
2. God will most often answer with needed peace and comfort.

God didn't create us to ignore us. He didn't send his Son into the world to give us a vision and split. He wanted a relationship with us where we would come to Him at any time — in times of joy and times of pain, in times of celebration and times of need.

When in pain, many people turn to the Psalms. The Psalms are different than most of the rest of the Bible in that they communicate very personally the inner convictions and feelings that come from the heart. The writers, David and others, bare open their souls with painful moments of betrayal, fear and emotional longing. They give us an excellent picture into human nature and our helplessness to control a world that is not ours to control. When nothing is left to do but cry out over a bad situation, David isn’t afraid to do it. He knows where strength is to be found.

The distinguishing characteristic that all the "giants" of Scripture share is this unwavering acknowledgement that God is a source of strength when all options seem to have run out. Later in the New Testament, Paul expresses it this way:

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV)

P.S. -- A warning: When the peace of God comes and you are relieved and feel the tremendous weight lifted from you, don't forget to thank God. Take a moment to remember the pain and see what God did for you. As you thank Him, you'll be teaching yourself once again about His unfailing love.