Sometimes it feels like suffering surrounds us, closing in until we can barely breathe. We wake to headlines heavy with murder, mayhem, and misery. Images of homelessness line city streets, and we hear of children going to bed hungry. Across the table, we sit with a friend whose voice trembles over a wayward child or a broken marriage. At times like these, it feels impossible to press through pain.
Then there are the wounds closer to home:
- The memories of abuse that haven’t faded with time.
- The devastation we feel as addiction tightens its grip on a loved one.
- The hollow ache of grief that settled in after losing someone dear.
- The sterile room where a doctor quietly delivered a diagnosis that changed everything.
Sorrow presses against our hearts from every side. I know this not only because I have witnessed it, but because I have lived it. In those moments, we face a choice: retreat into despair, or lean into God’s presence and find the strength to move forward.
Why do we experience pain?
It’s easy to think that because we are Christians, we should be safe from the pain of the world. However, God never promised this. Throughout Scripture, the Bible paints a completely different picture. Job lost his wealth, his health, and even his children (Job 1:13-22). Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned (Genesis 37, Genesis 39-41). Paul endured shipwrecks, imprisonment, and countless hardships for the sake of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Even Jesus Himself experienced rejection, suffering, and death (Luke 22:44-46).
This reality exists because sin and death entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-19). Ever since then, the enemy has had influence over the world, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But God has allowed humanity free will to choose which way we will walk, giving us the ability to honor Him—or to turn from Him. “The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind” Psalm 115:16, NIV).
But God…
But God loves us too much to let this be the end of our story. He sent Jesus into the world to rescue us, breaking the grip that sin and death held over humanity (Romans 5:12-21). Because of Jesus, we can look forward to eternity in heaven, a place with no more pain, no more tears, and no more sorrow (Revelation 21:4).
Jesus Himself reminded us of the reality of this world, saying, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). Even in the midst of trials, we have a Savior who has already won the ultimate victory.
In the meantime, when pain surrounds us, God is not distant. He draws near, strengthens, comforts, and rescues those who call on Him. “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, NIV). When life feels overwhelming, we can cling to this truth: God is not absent from our suffering.
Friend, God does not promise to keep us far from pain. He promises to be near in the midst of it. Pain is real, and hardships will come, but we do not face them alone. God’s presence goes before us, stands beside us, and carries us when we cannot stand on our own. We can draw near to God. His presence will help us press through pain.
How to Press Through Pain and Draw Near to God
Although God anointed David to be the first king of Israel to watch over His people, he was not perfect. He struggled with sin and its consequences, as all of us do. Additionally, he faced hardship, betrayal, war, and pain. Yet God called him a man after His own heart because, despite his situation, David always remembered to draw near to God and seek His comfort, protection, refuge, and rescue. David demonstrated valuable, everyday ways to press through pain and draw near to God.
Pray
Like David, we can cry out to God and seek His help. He hears our hearts and invites us to lift our hands and voices to Him.
“To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place” (Psalm 28:1-2, NIV).
Listen for God’s Voice
Prayer is a two-way conversation. After we ask, we need to listen for His guidance—through His Word and in quiet moments.
“He will instruct them in the ways they should choose” (Psalm 25:12, NIV).
Keep Our Eyes on God
Rather than focusing on the storms around us, we can keep our eyes on God and trust Him to deliver us.
“My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare” (Psalm 25:15, NIV).
Remember God’s Past Deeds
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in Scripture and in our own lives strengthens our faith to press through pain.
“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him” (Psalm 66:5-6, NIV).
Follow God’s Ways, Not the World’s
It’s easy to follow culture or friends’ advice, but God’s Word is the best guide because it’s the true source of wisdom and truth.
“My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled” (Psalm 17:4-5, NIV).
Trust God’s Love, Plans, and Timing
God’s love and faithfulness are certain. We can trust Him to help, strengthen, and rescue us.
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5, NIV).
Praise and Press Through Pain
In every circumstance, we can lift our hearts and voices in praise, which helps us press through the pain.
“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips” (Psalm 34:1, NIV).
By Drawing Near to God, You Can Press Through Pain
Friend, life will bring hardship, loss, and pain—but we do not face it alone. As we pray, listen, keep our eyes on God, remember His deeds, follow His ways, trust His plans, and praise Him, we can press through pain and draw near to the One who holds us steady. Because of Jesus, the end of our story is hope, healing, and victory—freedom from the chains of sin and suffering.
Reading Related to How to Press Through Pain and Draw Near to God
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