Psalm 30 - Gain Pain

There are all sorts of analogies to help relate the sentiment: No pain, no gain. Doctors tell us we need to be poked by needles not to get sick and that we have to push 8 pounds of human out of a little hole in order to gain children. We need to train to win the race and deny the pan of brownies to be thin. All these things require a level of faith. We are trusting our pain will have a purpose. Much of our Christian faith is this concept that suffering and pain is temporary in contrast to our promise of eternal restoration and reconciliation with a perfect God who will eradicate all pain, sorrow, and tears. We have to believe that God is faithful through all circumstances, both painful and happy, and that we are dependent on Him alone, not the circumstances He arranges in our life. Maybe a little pain is to our gain.

Psalm 30 Questions -

1. What is a recent situation you can exalt him for either lifting your spirits or lifting you out of a hard situation?

2. Is there someone you can call on God for help in healing?

3. Is there a time in your life that seemed so hopeless and horrible but with hindsight seems insignificant or distant?

4. What seems hopeless now? Will you trust God to redeem the situation for purpose and good?

5. When things are going well in our lives we feel confident and secure in God's will and favor. But when things go wrong in our eyes do we think God has turned his back on us? Do you continue to trust or do you try to take back over the controls of your life?

6. Do we really trust God to turn our rags to riches? Do we just want his riches but not the rags? Do we rely on God or his stuff? Do we only want the laughter but reject the tears?

7. What can you ask for today to turn from pain to positive? What from your past can you ask for insight to see the positive and purpose? Can you use it to point others towards the redemptive work of Christ? Is their sadness He can turn to joy for you? Is their crying He can turn to dancing for you?

8. Do you give thanks forever? What has he done in the past that you can thank him for today? How will you remember to thank him tomorrow?