The other day I posted a smiling photo of myself to update my Facebook profile. The outward picture does not show what is happening inside.

Because of my neck problems, the surgeon grimly informed me that a four-level surgery offered no guarantee of pain relief. Since then, I’ve had numerous pain injections, Medical Branch blocks, and an ablation to destroy the neck nerves. The last procedure blessed with several weeks of wonderful total relief. Praise the Lord! I give thanks that I have a stand-up desk to use while I write, keeping my posture straight and relieving neck strain. Thank God, I have days I don’t need pain medication.

Nothing happening inside my body is visual to others.

You have your own hidden pain and sorrow. I’m so sorry. Life is hard, difficult, and, at times, agonizing.

Many deal with things no one knows about—unseen physical and mental pain, grief, pain from past issues, pain from today’s issues, and prayers yet to be answered. My problems are nothing compared to what others face.

Yet, Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow, that He will never leave or forsake us. Count it all joy, James wrote. Rejoice always and pray without ceasing, advised Paul. Peter wrote to cast all your anxiety on God, because He cares about you.

Their advice isn’t always easy. Yet, what we are told has power. Praying, casting our cares on the Lord, rejoicing, trusting and relying on God, and turning to the Lord, shifts our focus off our difficulties and suffering where we find God’s presence, joy, and peace.

Whatever happens in the future, Jesus will be with you. Continue to pray, and cast your troubles on God’s broad, loving shoulders, remembering that He cares for you and is always in control. Count it all joy because God works all things to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Praise God for the incredible number of body parts that work every moment without pain and for the myriad of ways He lovingly watches over you. Rejoice because God’s got you safe in the palm of His loving hands. God is the great healer, and He is loving, kind, compassionate, caring, comforting, and will be with you whatever comes.

Therefore, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy is everlasting. (Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 106:1)

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