Pain and suffering are a universal human experienceâwe might lose people we love, endure a mental, physical, and/or terminal illness, watch loved ones go through addiction, lose a job, experience financial hardship, or face any number of unexpected and difficult circumstances. How do you keep yourself from going under when you face pain and suffering in life?
How to handle pain and suffering in life
While we canât prevent lifeâs challenges, we can prepare for them and navigate them well when they come. Here are some practical ways to handle and prepare for pain and suffering when it comes:
1. Build and maintain a support system
The importance of having a solid support systemâduring good seasons and difficult onesâcannot be overstated. Humans were created for relationship, and having people you love and trust who can support you during difficult times is crucial. The Bible tells us this in Ecclesiastes 4:9â12:
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Whether you already have a support system or are looking to build one, there are many ways you can build and maintain relationships. Find people who encourage rather than criticize, tell you what you need to hear rather than only what you want to hear, share your values and priorities, and, most importantly, follow Jesus. Look for them in your workplace, church, school, club or activity groups, neighborhood, gym, and family. Consider joining a Group or serving at LCBC or in your communityâthey are great places to meet people who follow Jesus.
Once you find your people, make time in your schedule to check in and spend time with them regularlyâgo on coffee or ice cream dates, do an activity you both enjoy together, send a text or make a call, or invite them to try something new with you. Consistently keeping in touch with your support system will enable you to give and receive life-giving encouragement in both good and difficult times.
2. Consider counseling
Our mental health often suffers when we experience pain. If youâre struggling with anxiety, depression, other mental illnesses, grief, or just want someone to talk to, consider therapy. Going to therapy isnât a sign of weaknessâitâs a sign of strength. We were not made to do life alone, and there are professional counselors who are here to help you process the pain and suffering youâre experiencing. If you need help finding one, let us know! We can help you connect with a counselor near you.
3. Take care of yourself
When we experience pain and suffering, it can be difficult to remember to care for ourselves. We sometimes underestimate the degree to which taking care of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health will help us navigate lifeâs challenges.
As much as you can, try to eat regular and balanced meals, drink water, get adequate sleep, and, if youâre able, move your body in some way (perhaps you enjoy walking, yoga, running, strength training, sports, or stretching). Taking care of your physical health will strengthen you and help you cope with pain and suffering. Spending time outside, talking to people in your support system, and praying can also help you find peaceful moments during difficult times.
4. Spend time with God
Spending time with God is perhaps the most important thing we can do during difficult seasons of life. Spending time with God can look like reading your Bible, praying, singing or listening to worship music, listening to faith-based podcasts or books, spending time in nature, going to church, or attending a Bible study. Reading the Bible especially helps us find hope, strength, and peace when we experience pain and suffering.
Why reading the Bible helps when weâre suffering
The Old Testament is full of stories and poems that can help us cope with pain and suffering in our lives. When Elijah was in so much anguish that he wanted to die, God provided food, water, rest, and a purpose-filled task for him (1 Kings 19:1â18). Psalms is a book of poems by people experiencing pain and suffering who turned to God to express their grief at their circumstances and their hope in God. Psalms like Psalm 13, Psalm 23, and Psalm 42 can give you words to express your thoughts and feelings to God and provide hope and comfort.
Paul, an early follower of Jesus and church leader, knew what it was like to experience pain and suffering. In one of his letters to a church in Corinth, he wrote, âThree different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, âMy grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.â So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. Thatâs why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strongâ (2 Corinthians 12:8â10).
If you want to read the Bible but arenât sure where to start, try this Bible reading plan on stories of strength through pain or this one on Godâs promises. Short daily reading plans are a great place to start!
5. Remember that pain and suffering are temporary
Jesus never told us that life would be easy, but he did tell us that we can still have peace. John, one of Jesusâs closest friends and followers, records Jesus saying, ââI have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the worldââ (John 16:33).
Whether or not the pain and suffering pass during this life, we know that in the next it will be gone. At the end of time, God âwill wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever,â and he will say, ââLook, I am making everything new!ââ(Revelation 21:4â5).
Pain and suffering are inevitable. But by creating a strong support system, caring for ourselves, and clinging to God, we can experience peace, comfort, and hope during difficult times.
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