I have a mild case of arthritis. It is, I suppose another indication of my descent into middle age and beyond. My mind persists in the self-image of a young man, but my body knows that to be an delusion. My arthritis affects mainly my hands. A couple of weeks ago I suffered a mild jamb of the index finger on my left hand. The finger is still giving me fits. The other joints are less painful, but are continuously stiff and sore.
Pain is irritating. We have all types of medication, mild and strong, designed to lessen or alleviate it. But, all know that pain serves and important purpose. I recently read an article about a little girl (12 years old) who suffered from CIPA, a congenital condition that affects the way signals travel from her central nervous system. Because of her condition, she can not feel any pain. On the surface, that might be considered a blessing, but it is very dangerous. She would not have pain symptoms should her appendix inflame or rupture, would not notice a cut or break, and would never know about a raging infection or other painful condition.
God created our bodies. They are amazing machines. They even have the ability to diagnose and combat the problems they encounter, often without any conscious thought on our part. My arthritis pain irritates me. But, the alternative is rather scary to consider! As the Psalmist wrote, “I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14).
