Teens in Chronic Pain

One problem commonly faced by those in chronic pain is a feeling of inferior or having a poor self-image of yourself. It’s easy to think less of yourself when you are in a lot of pain. Whether it’s the fact you are in a wheelchair, using crutches, have numerous scars, don’t have the ideal body because you can’t work out in ways the average person can, or simply have a bad hair day because the pain kept you up all night, it can be hard to feel attractive and confident in yourself.

David, the man after God’s own heart, had a best friend named Jonathan, who was the son of Saul (the first king of Israel). After David had become king, Jonathan passed away. Jonathan left behind just one son (the others had also passed away) named Mephibosheth. He was lame in both feet and had such low self-esteem that he called himself a stray dog. [2 Samuel 9:1-13]

Because Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son, David took care of him by giving him all the property that once belonged to Saul, and invited him to eat at the king’s table as if he were one of David’s own sons. Likewise, God is looking out for us and has glorious plans in store for us.

“For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

It’s easy to get down on yourself, but I try to remember how much God loves me and it boosts my own self-confidence. Sometimes I forget just how much God truly loves me. And by forgetting that incredibly crucial fact, I allow myself to point ot my many flaws and imperfections. I look at how I don’t measure up and how so many of my peers are doing better at X and Y (even though I know I shouldn’t be comparing). I sometimes struggle to see why He loves me this much when He’s God, the creator of this amazing and incredibly intricate universe.

Verses that help remind me of His love for me…

Galatians 2:20 - “So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Ephesians 2:10a - “For we are God’s masterpiece…”

Psalm 139:13-18 - “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to [a] me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.”

Matthew 10:29-30 - “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny[a]? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Luke 12:7 - “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Genesis 1:27 - “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them.”

So why do I ever feel inferior and question God’s love for me? Stupidity and human nature, I guess.

• “Everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” (1 Timothy 4:4)
• “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well.” (Psalm 139: 13-14)
• “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17)

• “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” (1st Peter 4:12-13)
• “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelations 21:4)
• “News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.” (Matthew 4:24)
• “This suffering is all part of the work God has given you. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)
• “Along with Paul, I stake my hope on resurrection, a time when Christ will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:21)
• “Your Father knows what you need before you ask.” (Matthew 6: 8)
• “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength!”  (Philippians 4:13)
• “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 2:9)
• “Yet I am always with you; You hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory…My health may fail, and my strength may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart.”  (Psalm 73:23-24, 26)
• “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” (John 9:3)
• “Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelations 2:10)
• “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve his present end.” (Genesis 50:20)
• “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” (Psalm 103:2-3)
• “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
• “Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17 / The Message)
• “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 / The Message)

• “Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

• “Comfort me with your love, as you promised me, your servant.” (Psalm 119:76)
• “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him and he helps me. I am very happy, and I praise him with my song.” (Pslm 28:7)
• “I hope my words and thoughts please you. Lord, you are my Rock, the one who saves me.” (Psalm 19:14)
• “I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me.” (Psalm 69:29)
• “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
• “The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
• “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
• “But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.” (Psalm 42:8)
• “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” (John 16:33)

• “When a believing person prays, great things happen.” (James 5:16b)
• “Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a)
• “Answer me when I call you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 4:1,3)

• “Anyone who is having troubles should pray. Anyone who is happy should sing praises.” (James 5:13)
• “You have recorded my troubles. You have kept a list of my tears Aren’t they in your records?” (Psalm 56:8)
• “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
• “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)
• “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
• “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
• “Anyone who meets a testing head on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.” (James 1:12 / The Message)