Have you, or someone you love, had to face going to sleep tonight after enduring day upon day of constant pain? If so, you may have noticed how pain can make a difference in outlook... even change a personality.

A doctor once told a patient, "You've been in pain so long you've become totally self-centered. Think about someone else for a change and get back to being yourself."

Understandably, pain usually enlarges the focus of attention on ourselves. As one man put it, "Most human beings are so turned inward by their own pain that they cannot get out of themselves to love others to any great extent." Blocked from reaching out, fear and all sorts of negative emotions can be trapped inside...making the victim feel ensnared.

David must have felt this same way when, in anguish, he cried to God, "Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged; Oh, bring me out of my distresses! Look on my affliction and my pain, And forgive all my sins. Consider my enemies, for they are many; And they hate me with cruel hatred. Oh, keep my soul and deliver me. Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You" (Psalm 25:16-21, NKJV).

It is not the Lord's will for any of us to continue uncomforted. If someone you know is in prolonged pain, don't judge their reactions but reach out instead and send the healing balm of the Spirit through your prayers. If you yourself are in pain, rest assured that we are praying for you in love, that you might reach out and claim God's comfort.

Heavenly Father, thank you for hearing my cry and the cries of all who are in pain. As I am consoled in my anguish, let me console. Release my spirit to reach out and be concerned for others once more. Open my heart to Your unfailing love...a love that delivers and heals from every form of distress. In Jesus' Name, Amen.