When Pain Comes

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him." Psalm 91:14-15

I was face down on a hospital bed with my arms extended straight out from my body, strapped down so that I couldn't make a move (vitally important for this procedure). The doctor and nurses buzzed around me preparing for my first spinal injection.

The room was cold and very brightly lit, surgically sterile was the feeling I got (thankfully). I couldn't tell if I was shaking from the cold or from my nerves until a kind nurse placed a heated blanket on me, soon realizing it must be my nerves. I couldn't keep a straight thought in my head, even contemplating backing out.

Several years ago now my back had taken a turn for the worse. I had made my temporary (but what felt like permanent) bed on the sofa for three months and no usual treatment I sought seemed to give me any relief so I called on a spine specialist.

He seemed to be a trustworthy soul and very confident in his practice, but on the day of this procedure I began doubting and questioning. Now before this day Dana and I (along with many others) prayed for an answer and a doctor that could help me. So I didn't go into this haphazardly. We felt this was the best option that would give me relief and help me get back to life as normal.

As I read the above verses this morning it reminded me of that day so long ago. As I was prepped and ready the doctor walks over to me and calmly tells me to count from one hundred backwards so that the medication can help relax me. I immediately began reciting Psalm 23. I don't know to this day if I was saying the scriptures out loud but I could hear other voices whispering along with me.

As I continued to prayerfully speak these words I felt at ease. I was aware of what was going on around me but the Lord was right there reassuring me and comforting me. Tears flow just as they did that day as I think back on this time.

He truly is a God who loves and extends His comforting arms right when You need Him most. The Lord knew exactly what I would need to have peace during this difficult time. He gave me the mind to recall the verses of this beautiful passage.

I think we sometimes forget that as we go on with what seems like normal life, the Lord sees the bigger picture and is right there, ready to grow our faith even in uncomfortable circumstances, helping you to recall where your faith comes from.

My arms being strapped to this table while I was face down might have been in the steps to this medical process but the Lord used this position to show me when we are at our most vulnerable and helpless moments we can call on Him and He will pour out immeasurable amounts of grace, love, mercy and peace to guide us through. Praise God!

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, Thank You for coming to my rescue, in times of pain, stress, heartache and confusion. Be with those experiencing these emotions right now. Thank You for going before me and preparing the way. I will trust in Your plans for me, always. In Jesus' name. Amen.