Finding Hope in Psalms for Living With Chronic Pain and IllnessSample

A Thief Named Anxiety

I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. —Psalm 63:6-8

Again? Can’t I have one night of restful sleep? One night where I don’t toss and turn while he sleeps soundly? One night where my mind isn’t trying to figure everything out?

Sound familiar? Sadly, way too many nights go this way for me. Shooting pain in my back, hip, or shoulder makes me unable to find a comfortable position. I flip back and forth. My mind ruminates over the past day, week, and even year, going through every scenario I could’ve, or should’ve, done differently. Through it all, my husband sleeps peacefully, unaware of my struggle.

I am anxious and in pain during the day, and both are often increased at night. There’s nothing but silence to attempt to combat the swirling thoughts, anxiety, and widespread pain. There couldn’t be a worse time to wrestle with things than in the middle of the night.

At the time, it may feel like I’m alone battling my body to find rest. But that’s not really the case. I’m never truly alone. Neither are you. Like David mentions in Psalm 63:6-8, he clings to the Lord, and we should do the same. In doing so, you’ll find that, along with the pain and those racing thoughts, the Lord is there. Cry out to Him. Let Him take the weight off your shoulders. Look up. He’s right there, waiting to offer comfort. There is no point in wasting time going over and over in your mind what you should’ve done instead, or could’ve done differently. You can’t go back and change the past. However, there are many things you can do today. Pray. Recite worship song lyrics or Scripture verses. Let the Lord place a blanket over your worries and pain. Breathe in His peace. Rest in Him.

Lord, thank You that I can cling to You at any time, and You will keep me safe and secure so I can rest in You. Amen.