Hurts So Good

Do you wonder why you have to,
feel the things that hurt you,
if there's a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
and all those things are happening
to bring a better ending
some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning

com'n, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the hurt before the healing
the pain you've been feeling,
just the dark before the morning
before the morning

- Josh Wilson "Before the Morning"

This song has been running through my mind a lot lately. It feels like this song was written for me, in this season of my life. And I am sure, all of you have had a season in your life where this song would have applied. Maybe you are in it right now. What I find interesting is that when you turn on the radio, there are so many songs about pain and sorrow. Even on the Christian radio stations. Life can be hard. That is a fact. So whether you have just entered in to the tough spots or are on the mend, take heart.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

 - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Make no mistake about it, these troubles are momentary. They will flee sooner or later. I need this reminder sometimes. I need to know that this pain is a temporary one. I see it like this... when we work out, the body feels it. And for a few days afterward we are sore and in pain. And sometimes this pain limits our movement and makes us regret the workout that got us there. But... the pain goes away. What's more is that the pain is necessary so that our body can build muscle and get stronger. We have to hurt a little now, to grow stronger later. This happens slowly, and take time and discipline. And so it is with us. We must go through a little pain to let our character grow. This is a slow process, it will not happen overnight. But it would NEVER happen if we didn't exercise our character by testing and stretchign it beyond it's comfort zone.

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. "

- Romans 5:3-4"

When I was in high school I heard a sermon at camp once that changed my view of trials. This guy said, every Christian life goes through peaks and valleys. Both are exceedingly necessary in the life of a Christian. Those peaks are wonderful for providing rest and closeness to God. But the valleys are where life happens. If you look at real mountains, there are no trees on the peaks. But in the valley, the trees grow and flourish. Life happens in the valley. It can be a hard process to walk through them, and it may hurt and confuse us. But, God will provide a way out. We won't stay in the valley forever. And the peak will feel and taste a whole lot sweeter for all the trouble it took to get there.

"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy."

 - Psalm 126:5

"You turned my wailing into dancing;
   you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
   LORD my God, I will praise you forever. " - Psalm 30:11-12"

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

 Matthew 11:25-30

Joy will come. Crying will cease. Peace will replace chaos and confusion. Broken hearts will be mended. This may not happen when we think it should or how we'd hoped it would. But... the Lord is gracious and He is faithful. He longs to hold us close and He loves to meet our every need. Embrace the moments of weakness. They will come no matter what. Why not make the most of them by celebrating the opportunity to trust God more?

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you asthe world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

 - John 14:27

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

 - 2 Cor. 1:3-5