We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 CSB)

Some nights, I stay awake, unable to find a comfortable position with all the metal in my back. Last night, my legs wanted to run a marathon while I wanted to sleep. Our weather is daunting. Snow continues to fall this evening and bitter cold temperatures are expected, limiting my activity and increasing my pain.

You don’t have to have physical pain to feel this way. I remember seasons of depression where emotional pain kept me awake too. Sometimes, anxiety accompanies chronic pain.

In all honesty, I get quite discontent in my discomfort, and I don’t like that. I need a new attitude, so I looked towards someone who knew more pain than I can imagine.

The Apostle Paul endured stoning, beatings, shipwreck, and imprisonment. Yet, he wrote the verses above in a chapter where he uses lots of contrasts to help his readers understand that the sufferings of this world are a momentary light affliction compared to the eternal weight of glory we will receive (2 Cor. 4:17).

As we unpack these verses, I‘m using the Amplified Bible to shed more light on the meaning.

We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; (2 Cor. 4:8a AMP). Paul is describing pressure from every side. You probably understand that. We have health pressures, financial pressures, job pressures, and family pressures. Yet, he says that because of Christ we aren’t crushed.

Perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; (2 Cor. 4:8b AMP).  I must admit that I have allowed my complications to drive me to despair, but I don’t have to, and neither do you. We can ask Jesus to heal us and not lose hope. We can lean on His grace and mercy.

Hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted to stand alone; (2 Cor. 4:9a AMP). We can face persecution, and Jesus never forsakes us. He doesn’t abandon us in our pain either.

Struck down, but never destroyed.  (2 Cor. 4:9b AMP). We can be struck down, but we are not destroyed. We’ll never be destroyed because of Christ.

Instead of stewing in my pain, I want to soak in the Scripture. I am not crushed, not in despair, never forsaken or destroyed. I repeat the words until I feel peace and sleep finds me.

Many of you suffer through pain much worse than I do, and you probably handle it better than me. Perhaps, these verses will give you a weapon on your bad days that you can remind the enemy about these truths. I need to remind myself often. If I can pray for you, leave your requests in the comments, please.

Heavenly Father, help us remember that You have a glorious home awaiting us, and what we suffer through today will appear small when compared to our glorious eternity. Help us through these days. We ask You for healing, grace and mercy. Help us to rest and give You glory from our suffering. In Jesus’s name. Amen.