How Can I Live with this Suffering?

ONE DAY AT A TIME

Early in my chronic pain journey, I cried out to the Lord, “How can I possibly live with this suffering?” In the silent space of my soul, I sensed Him saying, “One day at a time.” I recall breathing deeply, comforted to know I didn’t need to figure it out all at once. More than five years later, I am still learning that lesson.

My symptoms are now far worse than I could have ever anticipated. I can’t predict how I’ll feel from day to day, and I often end up canceling social connections or other plans. As someone who spent decades thriving amid structure, adapting to this new normal has awakened feelings of frustration – and freedom.

How can I be productive when I cannot keep commitments and meet goals? How do I live purposefully when my body won’t cooperate? Yet, I am starting to see how releasing my grasp on control is a gift. Relaxing into the Holy Spirit’s moment-by-moment orchestration opens possibilities beyond what I can envision. I am not called to abandon responsibility for time management but rather to hold it lightly, flexing as needed.

SURRENDER TO GOD ONE DAY AT A TIME

The journey to embrace this renovated rhythm is neither easy nor a one-time destination. Not long ago, I found myself at the crossroads of fresh surrender, with pain triggering further withdrawal from my former scope of life. Sadness weighed heavy, and hopelessness hovered nearby. As I prayed for help, God led me to the Chronic Joy printable entitled Show Me, Lord!

The opening line drew me in: “Are you overwhelmed, weary, discouraged, or unsure of how to live this life you’ve been given?” I immediately answered, “Yes, yes, yes, yes!”

From there, a list of “Are You?” questions (including the following) piqued my interest:

• anxious, sad, or stressed? Pray, “Show me, Lord.”
• feeling swallowed by unrelenting pain? Pray, “Show me, Lord.”
• overwhelmed by an avalanche of loss? Pray, “Show me, Lord.”

I began to repeat that refrain as tears rolled down my face. Circumstances felt impossible, but those three words anchored me anew to God’s care and character.

A selection of related Scriptures came next, and one has become a daily request:

“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life.” (Psalm 143:8)

Another offers this humble expression of trust:

“Lord, teach me how You want me to live.” (Psalm 86:11)

Show Me, Lord! goes on to say, “God is waiting compassionately, gently, and tenderly for you. Turn to Him right where you are, exactly as you are, however you are able, and simply say, ‘Show me, Lord.’”

SIMPLE ENCOURAGING DAILY PRAYERS

Right now, I am asking Him how I can stay connected with the people I love when my capacity for conversation (due to TMJ and chronic neck pain) is minimal. I especially miss playing with and caring for our four young grandchildren, who live just five minutes away. These examples from the Show Me, Lord! prayers echo the desires of my heart and bring me comfort. Show me, Lord:

• how to love and serve those You love.
• Your way through this difficult season.
• Your purpose for my life. Inspire me to encourage those around me.
• just enough light for my very next step. I am so weary.
• Your peace when my anxiety rises.
• how to greet each new day with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.

I invite you to explore the printable Show Me, Lord! I pray you will blessed and encouraged, just as I have been.

PRAYER

Gracious God, the realities of chronic pain and illness fill my heart with questions. Help me navigate each challenge through Your power and wisdom. Remind me of Your nearness and unfailing love. I need You. I trust You. Thank You. Amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What aspect of your chronic illness or pain is most difficult right now?
• How are you coping with the struggle?
• Where in Scripture can you find hope and strength?