“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Pain is not a spirit that needs to be rebuked. It is a signal of an underlying issue that could very well need to be addressed. Rebuking, denying, or ignoring pain is not necessarily wise, both in the physical and spiritual dimensions. David took his hurting heart to the Lord: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” (Psalm 42:5)
The same people who claim that no believer should ever be physically sick have little tolerance for anyone who is experiencing pain in their soul. “Don’t worry, be happy!” should not be a reply to one in pain. There is healing in God. True healing. “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14) But God does not paint a happy face on us without tending to our heart and setting us on a real path toward healing.
Some people just don’t like it when others are sick. It bothers them. They have little tolerance for weakness of any sort. If you can’t be well, you need to be removed from their sight. This is not a picture of our merciful and compassionate High priest. He Himself was compassed about with weakness. He is touched by the feeling of our infirmities. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. He knows how to come to the aid of the suffering because He also suffered.
What a friend we have in Jesus! He is the balm in Gilead. No matter how bad they are, let the pain and sorrows in your life drive you to Him! He will draw near to you. Your suffering does not repel Him, it attracts Him – with healing in His hand.