Addicted to Pain Killers?

Most of us at one time have chosen to make use of pain medications in order to numb the pain of something that we were experiencing.  We all have different pain tolerances and some of us may even refuse to take pain meds to help deal with the misery and discomfort we’re experiencing.  Medications are not inherently evil.  In fact, the Bible speaks of the need for Timothy to “use a little wine” for his illness (1 Tim. 5:23).  At the time the Bible was written, people would often use alcohol to alleviate pain and unpleasant symptoms (Proverbs 31:6).  It is the abuse that is wrong and what the Bible would condemn.

Today, as in times past, people strive to mask their problems instead of dealing with them.  This may be true with physical problems as well as spiritual problems.  Dealing with problems is often more difficult but it eliminates the problem at its roots.  Masking problems only prolongs or exasperates the issue that must be dealt with later.  Ignoring our problems only compounds the real issue and ultimately complicates the resolve if neglected.

There are many today who are addicted to pain killers and they do not believe that they can exist without them.  Many acquire and possess them illegally as their addiction has become so severe.  We may feel that this does not represent us but could it be us “spiritually”?  Do we subsidize our Christian lives with things that are not of Christ and things that are not godly in order to offset the pain that we live with each day?  Do we create an environment around ourselves to help us live with the pain and discomfort instead of repenting and turning to God?  Many of us have silent pains and hurts that we deal with each day and nobody knows about.  I would like to ask, “what are we self-prescribing for these problems”?

What I am asking is, “Is God our remedy and present help in time of trouble?” (Psalm 46:1) or have we found a temporary replacement for Him?  Are we dependent upon a foreign substance or a cheap substitute for joy to help us make it through this life instead of seeking the strength and joy of the Lord (Neh. 8:10; Phil. 4:13)?  God is truly concerned about our pain and heartache and He longs to be our Remedy.  Are we willing to seek the comfort from the One who gives healing both spiritually and physically in order to find rest and healing?  Christ welcomes us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)