PRAISE IN PAIN
They are the most beautiful of all melodies. Songs birthed out of pain— intense pain. Pain so profound it can only be described as the “dark night of the soul.” Songs arising from a place deep within, that we may not have even known existed. I possess no words to describe it. I have no knowledge to understand it. But I experience it, especially now in this season as Linda grows weaker.
Through tear-filled eyes, a cracked voice, and a broken heart, we sing those songs. During times when our mind finds no words to form a prayer—even then, when our head feels numb, our heart swells with thanksgiving.
David knew that pain. Perhaps that’s why during times of anguish he penned some of the most beautiful canticles ever composed . He wrote Psalm three when he fled for his life from his son, Absalom. How would you feel, knowing your son hated you, usurped your throne, publicly humiliated you, and wanted you dead? Imagine the despair in David’s heart. Yet in the midst of his heart-wrenching sorrow he wrote, “But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high” (Psalm 3:3). In verse five he adds, “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” Peace intertwined with pain.
Psalm 13 also reflects David’s misery. It begins, “How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Yet in a seeming contradiction, he declares in verse five, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” David wasn’t bi-polar. In the pit of despair, feeling forsaken by God, the Lord met him, prompting him to pour forth the purest of praise.
I don’t understand it—but I’m blessed by this phenomenon. Some of our most stirring songs, and some of our deepest prayers we can only utter during days of darkness. It’s a paradox. Out of our deepest pain, comes majestic joy. God promises to meet us in our most miserable moments with mercy. Psalm 34:18 promises, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And if my story means anything, I can testify to the goodness of God, especially during the darkest of nights.
UPDATE ON LINDA: Linda continues to have a good attitude despite growing weaker each day. She’s still holding out for supernatural healing, and we haven’t given up on that. A few days ago, as our family conversed with Linda, I mentioned, “You have two options, and both are wonderful. One option is: God steps in and heals you at the last minute—which is wonderful. The other is: you go to heaven—which is even more wonderful.” Linda replied, “Yes. I feel sorry for you guys.”
Principle: Some of our most beautiful songs and prayers are birthed out of pain.
Ponder:
When have you discovered intimacy with God in the midst of pain?
What Psalm especially ministers to you during seasons of struggle?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 13.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for your presence, especially during days of darkness. Please remove every barrier in my heart that blocks an awareness of your presence and open me up to more of you.