Why So Much Pain?

The prophet asked God this question in Jeremiah 15:18: “Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed?”  Perpetual has the idea of a strong, everlasting pain.  This is both a mental and physical agony that cannot be wiped away with a quick trip to the doctor or a pharmaceutical prescription.

Job suffered from this overwhelming pain, and his friends noticed.  Job 2:13 says, “So they (His friends) sat down with him (Job) upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”

Why is there so much hurting in this world? I do not think that this question is answered completely in this short piece, but there are answers found in the Scriptures.  Jeremiah received an immediate answer.  In Jeremiah 15:20 God says, “I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.”

“Brasen” is hardened and tempered, like steel.  God will make you strong enough to handle what comes your way.  God knows the end from the beginning, and He can make us strong enough to withstand anything this world sends our direction. 

God continued in verse 21 by saying, “I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.” The Lord does not promise we will not have troubles but promises to deliver the righteous in time of trouble.  Pain is going to come our way, but deliverance is available to those who trust in Him.

Jesus understands great pain, even perpetual pain. He suffered as no one ever has on the cross for our sins. 1 Peter 2:21 says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”  If you are suffering mental or physical distress, turn to the Great Physician.  He understands your pain more than you do yourself. 

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