It has been several weeks since the pinched nerve in my neck got angry. During that time I have had two MRI’s. One was scheduled months ago as a follow-up for another issue and the second scheduled to see if my spine problems have progressed.
My pinched nerve was especially painful as I drove over for the first MRI. I was not at all sure if I could make it through the test as I had to hold my breath repeatedly during the imaging. Of course, as I fussed about what “might” happen, the pain got worse. And as the pain increased, so did the discouragement.
Then I started to sing! I remembered Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians to be filled by the Spirit and to sing “spiritual songs” from the heart.
“… be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father.” [Ephesians 5:18-20 HCSB]
The pain diminished the louder I sang. I sang with my understanding, and I sang with my spirit. I made music from my heart to the LORD. My words were my own, the melody was original. I praised God and gave thanks.
I continued the entire drive over and when I arrived, the pain was much less. I did well throughout the test. I re-learned the lesson … pain discourages, praise encourages. Thank you, LORD.
