Draw Near to God When You Are in Pain

April 26, 2024

What or who do you most often run to when you experience something painful?

When anything painful happens to you, you’ve got a choice: You can run to God, or you can run from God.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

How do you draw near to God when you’re in pain?

The first thing you do is tell him exactly how you feel. Even if you cry out, “God, I don’t like this. I’m mad. I’m upset,” that’s still drawing close to God in prayer. It’s called the prayer of lament. You ask God to use pain for good in your life. You don’t suppress any emotion. You tell God exactly what you’re feeling and draw near to him.

You do what Paul did in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10: “We were really crushed and overwhelmed . . . and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for he can even raise the dead. And he did help us” (TLB).

I have seen so many people transformed by the process of learning to worship, trust, and draw close to God when they’re in pain. They have learned that God is never closer to you than when you are brokenhearted.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Don't waste your pain. Let it cause you to turn to God, spend more time with him and his Word, and be reminded of his promises to you. God has the power to help you. He has the power tot sustain you and give you a supernatural peace in the midst of your pain. And, he has the power to heal your wounds after a season of pain.