It saddens us to hear of your dire condition, dealing with “chronic pain.” We can only imagine what that must be like and sympathize with how difficult this must be for you.

We do not think it wrong for you to pray to depart this flesh. When Job was suffering, he prayed, “O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave…” (Job 14:13) Job had experienced so many catastrophes, that he, too, didn’t know if he could manage the pain. All of Job’s children had suddenly died; all of his material possessions were lost, and he was in agony with puss-filled boils all over his body. He was overwhelmed and longed for death.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was exceedingly sorrowful. Matthew 26:38, 39, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death…My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Even though our Lord was suffering severely, he nevertheless prayed for God’s will to be done and not his will. Jesus submitted to anything the Father saw fit for him to endure because He knew God’s will was and is always the best. Therefore, remember Jesus’ words whenever praying your requests to God.

Some Helping Scriptures

Do you believe God cares about your suffering? 1 Peter 5:7 reads, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Believe this truth! “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.” (James 4:8)  Sometimes I imagine surrendering to God’s love. I fall backward into His outstretched arms. God is right there to catch me. He comforts me. It is when I recognize I can’t do it, but He can, that I feel His tender care.

Our minds can only think one thought at a time. That’s the way God made us. It might help you try to focus your heart and mind away from your pain. The Apostle Paul and Silas were severely beaten with wooden rods. Soldiers threw them into a dark, damp inner dungeon and clamped their feet in stocks. They doubtless were bleeding and had welts all over their bodies. But, around midnight, they starting praying and singing hymns to God. (see Acts 16:22-25) Why would they do this? Because sometimes singing hymns can actually help to lessen our pain. It sounds strange, but hymns can lift our hearts and minds away from the suffering.

However, at times great suffering can lead to depression. You do not need to suffer alone. There are many understanding professionals (doctors and psychologists) who can diagnose and treat depression. There are also pain management clinics, where the professional staff specializes in treating pain. God can and does use doctors to give people pain relief.

So, dear one, remember God knows and He cares. “For the Father, himself, loveth you.” John 16:27