Mark Katrick faith column: Rely on God to help make the pains of life more bearable

Mark Katrick
·3 min read
Mark Katrick
Mark Katrick

The worst kind of pain can be from that which is supposed to numb the pain. You’d think after all these years of sitting in dentists’ chairs, I’d be well aware of this by now. What hurts me the most is not the after-effects of that extraction or root canal but the prickling combo of needle and Novocain that makes you feel like a human pin cushion.

My childhood dentist knew what he was talking about when he advised me to do without the local anesthetic for the “little” fillings. (Is that an oxymoron?) “Let me sing to you, Markie, and say things that will make you smile,” said Dr. Leatherman. And wouldn’t you know, it worked every time!”

There are larger life lessons to be learned from all of this. We’re quick to reach for the ibuprofen or Tylenol for the most minor of aches and the slightest of pains. It’s because like, in the words to a song by Carly Simon, “We haven’t got the time, room or need for the pain.”

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It’s no wonder that some of our most reliable medications have become far less effective from overuse. For example, this time of the year, when pollen counts begin to rise, I was on a steady diet of St. Joseph’s Aspirin for Children for my chronic sinus headaches.

As I grew older, my sinuses and I learned to live, learn and grow with the flow (pun intended). Then, those time-tested pain relievers were all the more effective when I really needed them. There’s much that a person can do without having to gulp down sweet, syrupy liquid or swallowing a pill. It all starts with making a divine-human connection.

Let go and let God begin to make it feel better through comforting prayer, focused contemplation and guided meditation. Deep breathing always helps me during dental procedures. Sometimes I even fall asleep. Instead of listening to the outside voices that scream, “OUCH!” let the still small voice within whisper, “PEACE I give to you not as the world gives.”

Just think of how these “bearable” moments of discomfort help us to gain more understanding of and be more empathetic towards the “unbearable” moments that others have to endure on a daily basis. To help you along with this process let me write you a prescription as a pastor and spiritual guide.

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Have a daily dose of one or more of these Scripture verses from the Bethesda Senior Living Communities. The only after effect will be a "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7):

  • "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10.

  • "Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6.

  • "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

  • "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Mark Katrick is a pastor and spiritual guide.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Mark Katrick faith column: Rely on God to alleviate the pains of life