Overwhelmed with Pain - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - September 9, 2025

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“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills” (Psalm 73:2-5).

About a week after my official diagnosis of Crohn's disease, I went to social media to share what I had been going through. Spoiler alert, I was disappointed and hurt, to say the least. Over the past seven months, I have gone through numerous invasive procedures, debilitating pain, extreme depression, and the anguish of knowing that I must cope with this autoimmune illness for the rest of my life. I shared my pain with my “friends,” yet only a handful cared to respond.

While I know social media isn't the place to be validated, I did think some of my friends would care. I thought maybe they would reach out to me, want to catch up, and be a source of support. I'm not kidding when I say no one has contacted me privately. I did not receive one DM or text message asking how they could help. There was just silence.

When this first happened, I was really depressed, and then the depression turned to anger. It didn't help when I told a close friend overseas about my hospital stay, and he shrugged it off like it was no big deal. Instead, our other friend's trouble of staying up late with her godchildren was more important than the pain I had experienced in the hospital for two days after an invasive procedure. I was beaten down and didn't want to really talk to anyone anymore.

It felt like everyone had left me down until I started noticing the people who were there for me. It is too familiar for us to only reflect upon the negative. While I was busy thinking about all the people who didn’t support me, I missed out on those who did. My sister, one of my bosses, and a friend from elementary school were all people who went the extra mile for me. They didn't have to do this but chose to because they did care.

Reflecting upon this truth, I got my head back into the right place rather than those who showed no concern. It also helped me remember that God cares. God loves me, even if everyone else in the world doesn’t, and He loves you, too. The love He has for us is unrelenting and unchanging. We can always depend on Him, no matter what we are going through.

The Wicked Will Fall

“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills” (Psalm 73:2-5). As Asaph states in this passage, he envied the arrogant when he saw their prosperity. They had no troubles or ailments and were freed from common human burdens.

When I tell you I relate to this passage of Scripture, I want you to know that I relate to Asaph’s words in more ways than one. Since I have a chronic illness and rarely have good health, I do envy those who seem to be taking great strides in life. They are never burdened with troubles, nor do they have to wake up to pain. Instead, they wake up to a happy life, full of everything they could ever want. As one woman from the Bible college I attended said, “I’m living the dream!”

I often question these individuals because of what Abraham says in Jesus’ parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony” (Luke 16:25). For those who receive their good things now, I would be cautious and understand the present times. However, for those of us experiencing common human burdens, ailments, and pain, know there are better things ahead in the Lord.

Prayer: “Dear Jesus, I am overwhelmed with pain today, and it is too difficult. When I look around me, all I see is the wicked prospering while I am in agony. I am Your servant, Lord. Please return health to my bones and strengthen my feeble knees. Please also help those who are prosperous in this life to be humbled before You. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.”

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jordan Siemens

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/. 

Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber

Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.

In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward

If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!