Ever so slowly I am aware the muscles around my new knee are strengthening. Little by little I continue to use less pain medication. I actually can now sleep clear through the night without being awakened by a sharp stab in a bone violated by metal fasteners. I hold a small plastic container in my hand filled with oblong white pills, each with the ability to numb the reality that my leg was violated by sharp instruments and now is home to a strangely shaped contraption.
Should I or should I not take this pain pill? If I take it I will cease to ponder my leg. If don’t I will not move as I should thus slowing down the healing. Is the pain a curse or a blessing? Does the pain tell me to take care or does the pain merely make my day miserable? Pain warns us that something is wrong and needs attention. Pain also destroys the quality of life.
Then there is psychological pain that can be so excruciating that we become unaware of physical discomfort. It too warns us that something is wrong and needs attention. Guilt is a form of psychological pain warning us of our need for help. Guilt can be one of life’s worse pains. Self-incrimination and the recognition that we are the cause make it all the worse.
Jesus is the balm. We have not the competency to remove the stains from our soul. Only one who bore our guilt and transgressions can do that for us. “If we confess our sins He is able and willing to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 27, 2008 rogerbothwell.org