We use pain relievers to reduce headaches, toothaches, any aches in our bodies. Pain relievers have been around for thousands of years. It’s been said they originated in opium poppy, and opium is one of the most active substances in morphine, which is named after Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams. Morphine is a potent pain reliever, and when boiled, we know it as heroin. In the Civil War, many soldiers got hooked on morphine and as it went into the late 19th century chemists were trying to make a pain killer that was less addicting. By the early 20th century the US Congress was banning opium drugs unless it was labeled on the bottle, but heroin and morphine could still be purchased as over the counter medicine for any minor aches. By the 30s, scientists were still searching for a better drug that would be easier to use during surgery that would be less addictive.
Today we can see some benefits, but we can’t deny the adverse effects that painkillers have had. An article by the Cleveland Clinic stated, “Pain medications simply mask your symptoms; they don’t treat the root cause of your pain.” It’s a quick fix in the hope that your body can heal itself. It’s been said that stress is a killer. Stress is a force that is pressing on, pulls on and pushes against you, emotionally, physically and spiritually. There is stress medication but it can only reduce stress, not take it away. In an article by the American Addiction Centers said, “Many of the medications that are used for stress relief are also addictive. Serious behavioral and health problems are possible and even likely to occur as a result of using such substances unless care is exercised.” It’s only a reliever, not a healer. Why do we put our hope in these things to heal? Painkillers don’t kill the pain, but they can kill you. They numb us to convince our mind we’re fixed till we need another one. It’s as a trick, and it is interesting that the English word pharmacy is connected to the Greek word witchcraft or sorcery. Pain medication works, I’m not saying it doesn’t, and it is needed for many health issues, but don’t fall for the trap that it will heal you.
What can we turn to that will fix us? What can we trust in, have hope in? We all are looking to be saved in some area of our life. To find wholeness in our bodies, peace in our minds and rest for our soul. Jesus Christ is the only pain killer! Jesus carried our sins on the cross and paid the price with His blood, where death lost its sting. You may be hurt and be broken, but God is calling us to a place through Christ Jesus. By His wounds we are healed, we don’t have to worry, we don’t have fret for God’s promises are yes and amen and the day will come that our Lord and Savior will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying or pain. All the old ways are gone through the blood of Jesus who is the pain killer.
