Incapacitated by Pain

“You took over and set everything right; when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.” (Psalm 9:10 MSG)

The whole family was sick with the flu. Everyone was weak and incapacitated. We couldn’t help each other. We couldn’t ask outsiders to come over since we were contagious. We were miserable, but in a few days we all got stronger. It reminded us how much we  take our health and our ability to function for granted.

Not everyone is so lucky. I know a man who had a stroke and is now totally incapacitated. He used to be a highly functional individual. Now he needs help with even the basics--bathing, feeding himself, going to the bathroom, dressing, etc.  It is especially devastating to watch someone who was once very capable become debilitated.

Many of us become similarly incapacitated by pain. Tragedy strikes us in unexpected ways: cancer, death of a loved one, unemployment, disability, divorce. We who were once highly functional adults become incapable of helping ourselves. We are crippled, discouraged and completely occupied by our suffering.

The Lord sees our intense suffering. He moves in when we are weak and incapacitated. If we surrender, His power shall take over. Yet, many of us stop short of complete submission. Instead, we take a detour into the land of resentment. We expend what little energy we have left on sharpening the weapon of bitterness. We are unable to access God’s peace and comfort.

Lord, help us to come to you when we are incapacitated by pain. Please take over our lives. Strengthen us. Comfort us.