There is a lot written in the Bible about pain. The Book of Job is all about pain. Jesus’ crucifixion is all about pain. We all experience physical pain and emotional pain. I have an arthritic hip, and it hurts a lot. I had surgery on my arm Thursday to remove some squamous cell skin cancer. The place they cut and the incisions hurt like the dickens. My Dad used to say about such injuries, “Just rub some dirt on it, and it will quit hurting.” He didn’t really mean to rub dirt on it; it was his way of saying, ignore it, and it will disappear. I have some pain pills that were prescribed for me, and they help a lot. My Dad refused to take pain pills when he was dying of liver cancer; he just figured the pain was part of life, so you endured it. In my current circumstances of pain, I have written some guidelines and meditation statements.

1. Unlike my Dad, I will take pain pills, but not in excess or beyond the prescription level. 

2. I will discipline my thoughts so I don’t feel sorry for myself. Self-pity is a thinking pattern that does not please God and doesn’t help me grow. 

3. I will rejoice and thank God for helping me to grow. 

4. I will use my pain to remind me of all that Jesus went through for my salvation. 

5. I will remind myself that many Christians have gone through many times more pain than I have and conquered it, so I can as well. 

6. I will not grumble or complain to anyone except Patty, who will make me feel loved, comforted, and relieved with her gift of mercy as my wife. 

7. I will ask God for strength to endure, not escape from pain outside His will.