For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1

 As I get older, my body reminds me the abuse I put it through over the years. Jumping off tractors, riding on bumpy hay wagons while bailing hay, running in track, bouncing around in a boat during my career, and lifting heavy things that strained my back. I really feel it every morning, as I slowly crawl out of bed, the pain greets me, from head to toe. My first inclination is to reach for the ibuprofen, but what I’ve learned is if I can stand the pain for an hour, my body slowly adjust and the pain eventually goes away. Last thing I want to do is rely on pain meds to help me overcome something I know will sooner or later dissolve.

 As humans, we tend to reach for the first thing that brings us relief when we experience pain. Not only physical pain, but emotional pain as well. An argument with a friend, a difficult day at work, a family member who generates friction, and let’s not forget about anxiety that seems to be more prevalent than ever these days.  Alcohol, drugs, prescription meds….all of these (and other things) seem to be the “go to” when faced with difficult days. Slowly over time these temporary relief items become more routine, then a habit forms, and eventually an addiction takes over and every excuse in used to find relief. Is that who you want to be?

 Today’s scripture reminds us that the things we go through in life have a time limit. You might experience difficulty over the course of a few hours, weeks, maybe even years, with little relenting. The faith in Christ you claim to hold onto is put to the test. Are you going to seek something to relieve the pressure, sadness, or anger? Or, are you going to trust in Christ to keep you free from those addictive things and behaviors that God disapproves? I can tell you after years of dealing with some issues myself, God sustained me in the battles, and not once did I find relief in any temporary things or pleasures that Satan tried to entice me.

 I know my wake-up pain will only last an hour or so, and if I can hang in there, it will get better without pain meds. The same goes for you and the things you battle against daily. Hang in there, put your faith and trust in God to see you through, and He will do it for you and bless you in the process for keeping your body, heart, mind, and soul free from the toxic relief meds the world wants to throw at you.