10. Resolved, When I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom and hell
Not long ago, my dentist adviced me to get all my wisdom teeth pulled out. He laid before me two options: either one at a time or all at once. I went for second choice. Next morning I was at his office. I don't remember how long it took him to do his job. Once I left his office, I ran to buy the pain killers he prescribed and from there I went home for the rest of the day. I could hardly rest. You can fill in the rest. That experience became the most painful physical one I ever endured in my life.
Looking back, I clearly recall I encouraged myself through the pain reminding myself of this present resolution. I concluded that this pain of mine was worth half a penny compared to multi-billion dollar debt of hell, place from which I've been rescued by God's amazing grace.
Now, don't get me wrong here. Pain is real. Our days are evil. Physical pain. Spiritual oppresion. Sickness. Death. I'm not saying we should treat our suffering flippantly. No. We mourn with those who mourn and feeling sadness it's normal when trials strike. However, hopelessly wallowing in one's own pain does not glorify God. Going that way, our suffering would slowly and inadvertingly begin usurping God's place in our hearts. That's dangerous. To say it bluntly: it's plain idolatry and we must repent of.
I believe this resolution aims for this: both to help us stop focusing primarily on our suffering and to redirect our attention to our merciful and loving God who does not treat us how we deserve, who doesn't send us to a real and exceedingly painful Hell but rather take us into the glories of a Heaven He is preparing for those who love His son.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame; [1]
he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:11-14)
1 comment:
Good thoughts, amigo. Sorry to hear about your tooth problems though. As another friend often said when we came across bad news: "It's better than hell." :)
Post a Comment