What does deep calls to deep mean? Elizabeth applies it to our experiences with chronic pain.
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls . . .” (Psalm 42:7)
Ouch. . . my shoulder hurts. My doctor says a rotator cuff is inflamed. My physician attributed it to overuse and–gulp–aging. At the ripe age of 51 I am hearing that phrase already. Yet it is with a touch of joy for me. I am now the same as my peers! They are having various aches and pains, reminders of old injuries and other average concerns. So this is normal!
The pain is more of a discomfort, an ache. It can wake me at night but improves with chiropractic care. It is a bothersome throb, nothing akin to rheumatoid arthritis pain and other chronic conditions you see here at Rest Ministries. I have learned there is a great difference.
For nearly twenty years, I have dealt with chronic pain and have learned a great deal about the pain process, physiologically. Now my experience is proving visibly what I have learned in theory. The whole scope and realm of unremitting and unresolvable pain is a whole separate species from my shoulder trouble.
One is isolated to the area injured, the other sprouts an entire body process, one that includes emotions and mental stamina. Do I hear a lot of heads nodding in agreement? I knew all this before, but now I can put words to it.
Years ago when I was starting a HopeKeepers group, I overheard someone talking about the notice she saw about it in the newspaper about our HopeKeepers groups. Not aware of who I was or that I was listening, she confided to a friend, “I thought about checking it out, I mean, who doesn’t have aches and pains these days?” I knew her well, and what her issues were, and were not.
How could I explain the difference between what she was thinking and what one sees at a HopeKeepers meeting? I couldn’t describe the 40-year-old that rolls in by wheelchair because of fibromyalgia; or the 22-year-old girl with a spine like an 80-year-old stunt man; the 60-year-old whose surgery ran amok and left her with bizarre symptoms?
These situations mess up many layers of life as well as many areas of our bodies. It is a whole different animal we are talking about.
On a recent road trip I found myself limping and stiff when we stopped for rest areas. Again, I could see that my age was affecting me, like many, many other limpers at the rest stop. I loosened up after walking some and ended the trip with only a minor ache in my lower back. This is what the lady I overheard considered pain. And I thought, May God bless her with a continued, uncomplicated life!
Today’s verse reminds me that fellow furnace dwellers and the Lord are the only ones who understand the depth of the difference. We call to each other with compassion and understanding that cannot be described.
One has to be plunged into the deep to comprehend it. I need patience and grace to think good things when I hear comments like the one described. Only Christ in me can do that. After all, He has gone to depths beyond my comprehension just to spare my soul. That’s deep!
Prayer: Thank You, Father, for my dear friends.You have provided me with a place and a group of people that truly understand this curious journey You have set me on. I ask for strength and grace to have the compassions of Your dear Son Jesus Christ with all who suffer. Most of all Lord, Thank You for allowing me to cling to You and feel never alone in this fellowship of suffering.Amen.
About the author:
Elizabeth Vendley is the wife of David, and lives in North Central Michigan. They have raised seven children. Elizabeth has lived with severe Interstitial Cystitis since 1996. Her passion is glorifying the Lord by writing out the lessons He has taught her. She would love to hear from readers through the Sunroom. Elizabeth welcomes readers to see her musings and gleanings in her blog http://evendley.blogspot.com/.
When have learned to say nothing at all and when is time to speak up? How have built a support system around you of people ‘get it’?
Toby Mac sings “Hold On” in this video. When a friend (or spouse) is hurting, this is a great song of encouragement to hang on a little bit longer, seek comfort in God’s presence and trust Him. Hooe you enjoy, -Lisa
Elizabeth really enjoyed your devotionql today. What is amazing is I had just read this chapter in psalms yesterday and was struck by the beauty and depth of this very verse. I have also heard many off handed comments by those who cant understand the daily battle one with chronic illness deal with, thank you for the inspiration to pray for them and be truly happy for them that they don’t have to walk this path. I am so grateful that God does understand the depts of our aches and pains and allows the waterfalls of His love and presence to flow over us when needed. Thank you for this very inspiring and timely devotional confirming His words to me. Blessings diane
Thanks Diane- It amazes me when I hear people say that something I wrote hit the nail on the head for their current situation and needs. It is a mystery I do not understand, but God uses even my thoughts and jottings. Then again, why am I surprised when that is exactly what I asked Him to do with my writing? Silly human! It all gives an added dimension and meaning to this journey. Psalms is such a soothing place to linger with the Lord, very precious. May you continue to be blessed,
Hi Elizabeth,
Am trying to post for 4th time. Just seeing if this goes thru! Do not know how to comment with new options. I really tried to comment on your on target words. Thank you ; I so identify with what you are saying.
Blessings,
Patty
Patty- I really identify with trying to post 4 times. It seems as soon as I adjust to one system, a new one come on and it takes me a while to figure out the new rules. Kinda like medications, you get all balanced and find a combo that helps then WHAM one is no longer available, or we run out on a holiday weekend with no refills and realize it on Friday afternoon, But we gotta keep tryin’ cuz what else can we do? Thank you none the less.
Elizabeth,
This is an interesting way to look at this verse. Only those who are in the deep waters of suffering can understand what it is like. But more importantly is that our God understands and that He offers the waterfalls of His love and care over us.
This is one of my favorite verses.
Carol Adams
The idea came from a song that is about the compassions of Christ Jesus. Of course I can’t come up with the title Just now. Tonight as I am about to fall asleep the name will occur to me. The song writer is the one who got my mind going in that direction, then the Holy Spirit did the rest.
Thanks Elizabeth for yet another great devotional.
I’m truly thankful that I rarely suffer pain. I’m sooooo sorry that you have to suffer so much pain! Praying for God’s comfort for all here that suffer deeply with pain. Very gentle hugs through cyberspace!
My “deep calls to deep” is around deep fatigue. Your devotional made sense to me in the light of that. I often hear “I’m soooo tired, so I understand how tired you are!” Nope!! I know that only those suffering illnesses with deep fatigue truly understand & “get it!” God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
It does seem that you have to go through something to really ‘get it’: in many areas. I simply can not identify with the parent who is stressed over their child’s chemo schedule, I haven’t been through it. I have, however, seen enough to know that we need to be slow to judge the situation of other people. And I think that is what God wants from us. At least for me, I hear the call to be soft and strive for the compassions of Christ Jesus. I do think my chronic pain journey has been a big step toward that. Blessings wished for you!
So true! Lotsoluv Kerryn
Hi Elisabeth,thank you so much for you wonderful story. It means more than I can say to know that there are others who live every day in pain and exhaustion., That we are not alone. My heart and prayers go out to all those who suffer. Yet, how very blessed we are to have a loving God who knows us better than anyone,understands our pain . We have so much to be thankful for,so many blessings to share,like your writing for us. Thanks to Lisa,we have a wonderful place here, to share our feelings and to lift others up along the way.
Thank you again, Elisabeth, and all who commented. Love and Blessings,Jill
Welcome Jill- I hope you can hang around Rest and find the friendship and understanding I have. God is surely here.
Hi Elizabeth,
Still have not figured out how to post. I fiund Disqus but had nothing but trouble with it. so, trying again. Just wanted to thank you for your kind words in understanding how chronic pain just makes it so difficult to figure out things when they change. Change is difficult. As you said, just when you think you are maybe on the right meds, etc. it all can change ina second. Plus, the process of aging (for me) really makes the chronic illesses double trouble.I have stopped trying to say much of anything about my illnesses: i just smile and say I’m ok. There is too much energy involved in trying to make people understand. They have no clue and really how could they when one really thinks about it!!’ I would not wish my pain on anybody! The intensity and depth and breadth of it is overwhelming, still to me. But one just has to keep in “keeping on” facing all with God at our side.
RM is a Godsend for me. As you say, only God and fellow “furnace dwellers” are in the loop and I am so so thankful to and from Lisa and all of you in my life. What an amazing support group! God is so good!!!!
Blessings,
Patty
Patty- I agree. I find that feeling deeply loved and understood by Jesus helps a lot. Saying little is sometimes best. There are also times when we need to speak so the church can grow in understanding of the compassions of Christ Jesus. Oh for the discernment to know which is which! Having a place like Rest makes it easier, knowing SOMEONE ‘gets it’ remedies my urge to explain my situation to those who can’t grasp it. God be with you!