Pushing Through PainSýnishorn

I love distractions. Anyone who works with me knows that I would rather be in a conversation or running around than sitting at my desk behind a screen. Any other non-Type A’s feel like me on this? Distraction is a part of ALL of our lives.

I find it fascinating that the brain has trouble processing more than one sensation at a time. That's why when you have a mosquito bite and numb it with ice, you suddenly register the sensation of “cold” instead of “itchy.” Along the same lines, focusing on a different stimulus can distract you from the sensation of pain.*

This is exactly what praising God can be like for us. During some of the deepest hurts of my life, I have worshipped God. It was like ice to a big bruise or a healing balm on a wound. I know a lot of us (myself included) don’t think first about worshipping God when things are painful. Instead, we try Netflix, Pinterest, and other things to distract us. The problem is that these things don’t bring healing like God can. The longer I have followed Jesus, the more I have come to realize that no one and no thing can heal my pain the way going straight to God can. 

Let’s be real. It may not feel as good initially as bingeing on a Netflix show, but long term, we know that ignoring our pain or issues never makes them go away; it only prolongs the pain.

Challenge:

How can you make it a habit to go to God in prayer or His Word (the Bible) before people or distractions?  

Put a post-it up or a reminder in your phone to make God your #1 go-to when struggling with pain.  

*Data from prevention.com