Reframe the Pain

Over the past 9 years of pastoral ministry I’ve come across a lot of hurting people: death, divorce, adultery, murder, suicide, abuse, addiction, jealousy, hatred, bankruptcy... The opportunities for hurt and pain to enter our lives seem almost limitless. Everyone will experience some level of pain or grief in their life, some to a greater degree than others. The one common thread that all of us face is what to do with our pain/grief. If we are to heal after pain comes into our life we must determine to reframe the pain.

Here are some of the highlights that I underlined in chapter 4 (The Art of Reframing) of “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson.

“Sometimes an unanswered prayer is God, in His sovereign wisdom, sparing us the pain of unintended consequences. Sometimes God allows what His power could prevent…Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God…The circumstance you complain about become chains that imprison you. And worship is the way out. Worship reframes our problems and refocus our lives…No adversity equals no opportunity… If you don’t turn your adversity into a ministry, then your pain remains your pain.”

Reframing the problems in our lives involves looking through a different set of lenses. We need to stop focusing on the pain/problem and start focusing on what’s right with our God. That simple act of reframing can bring life back to your spirit.