It's a Real Pain in the Rear
A Kick In The Butt That Won't Go Away
Tightness, back, sciatic, joint and knee pain started around November of 2019 for me. I had recently started a new job sitting for long periods of time in a chair that was not particularly comfortable. Convincing myself I was too busy to take the time to rectify the problem, I continued with the aches and pains, hoping it would just go away. I also thought it would be a good idea to start running again, and faster than my normal comfortable pace to save more time. Eventually, my pain became so unbearable, I began to wonder if there was something more serious. After seeing my doctor and ruling out lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or another blood disease, we identified part of the problem? It was my piriformis.
Our piriformis is a muscle deep down in the buttocks. Even though small, it can cause irritation and is a real pain in the rear if inflamed. Now flash back with me to over 20 years ago. I was diagnosed with piriformis syndrome, or inflammation of the piriformis, and have had to manage it through the years by avoiding certain activities that cause this little muscle to flare up. But this time, I had become so busy, ignoring the signs and continuing unhealthy activities that my symptoms became worse. I had to go back to the root and address the inflammation.
I can't help but see the correlation to our emotional healing. So often there is that deep wound within us that could stem from years past, and if not addressed, the pain spreads and never heals. We stay busy, ignoring the symptoms, hoping it will go away, but it doesn’t. It can bleed into our relationships, insecurities, dreams and confidence in who we are in Christ, keeping us from being all God created us to be. Honestly, I have been stuck and limited physically and spiritually because I avoided dealing with the pain. In seeking help to discover answers, I have experienced physical and emotional healing.
What about you? Is there a pain or sickness you have been avoiding? My friend, God wants to heal you completely, no matter how big or small the hurt. Don’t allow the aches and pain to spread.
Jesus says, Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 AMS). The Lord wants you to find healing so that you may flourish in all He has for you today.
Reflection
1. Is there a hurt, big or small, you may have been avoiding in hope that it would just go away?
2. How might avoiding addressing the pain be keeping you from walking in God's purpose in your life?
3. What is one step you could take today to begin the healing process?
Goals
Identify three areas that your hurt effects in your life so you can begin to surrender them to the Lord and begin the healing process.
Jesus says, come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT)