Healing After Surgery: One Day at a Time
Recovery has been harder than I expected, and I’m learning to take it one day at a time. Psalm 31:15 reminds me to bring God the day I have.
An honest update about unexpected pain, a slower recovery, and learning to receive care.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 31:15, NRSVUE:
“My times are in your hand.”
I’m sorry I haven’t written since October 5. I had hoped to keep showing up here, but surgery and recovery have taken more out of me than I expected. I’m eleven days post-op, and I’ve had more pain in my leg than I anticipated.
I wish I could say I’m feeling stronger every day. The truth is, recovery has been uneven, and some days have been harder than I thought they would be. I’ve had to slow down, rest, and accept help. I’m still figuring out what this new pace looks like.
If you’ve been waiting for a new post, thank you for your patience. I’m sorry for the quiet. I’m grateful you’re here, and I wanted to share honestly where I am rather than pretend I could keep up as usual.
The verse that has stayed with me is Psalm 31:15: “My times are in your hand”. I don’t know exactly how this recovery will unfold. But I can bring today, with its pain and questions, to God.
When Recovery Is Harder Than I Expected
I thought I would have a clearer sense of how recovery was going by now. Instead, I’ve had more pain in my leg than I expected, and that has been discouraging. It can be hard not to wonder when I’ll feel better or what the next few weeks will look like.
I’m trying to remind myself that a difficult day doesn’t mean I’ve failed. Needing rest doesn’t mean I’m lazy, and needing help doesn’t mean I should have managed better. My body is recovering, and I have to let that process take the time it takes.
I’m also learning that faith doesn’t ask me to gloss over what hurts. I can be grateful for the people caring for me and still feel frustrated. I can trust God and still have questions. I can pray and also talk with my care team about the pain I’m experiencing.
What Does “My Times Are in Your Hand” Mean?
Psalm 31 is a prayer from someone facing distress and asking God for help. The words “My times are in your hand” express trust in God in the middle of trouble. They are not a promise that everything will happen on my preferred schedule or that recovery will be quick.
That matters to me right now. I don’t know how each day will feel, and I can’t see the whole road ahead. This verse helps me remember that I can bring God the day I actually have, even when it’s painful or uncertain.
Trusting God doesn’t mean I have to ignore practical needs. I can rest, follow the advice I’ve been given, ask for help, and speak up when something concerns me. Faith and getting support can belong together.
Learning to Accept a Slower Pace
I’m used to thinking about what needs to get done. It’s harder to accept that, for now, I may need to do less. Some days the most I can manage is to take care of what’s in front of me and let the rest wait.
That’s not always easy. I can feel impatient with myself, especially when I don’t know when I’ll be back to my usual routine. But I’m trying to measure this season differently. Rest is not wasted time. Asking someone to help is not a failure. Taking a break is not giving up.
If you’re also recovering or living with pain, I hope you’ll give yourself permission to be honest about what you need. You don’t have to make your experience sound easier than it is.
Still Walking This Journey?
Receive new devotionals and access free Scripture cards, prayers, Bible reading plans, journaling pages, and other Resource Library materials.
A Few Gentle Ways to Meet Today
When the day feels difficult, I’m trying to keep the next step simple:
- Be honest about how I feel. I don’t have to talk myself out of pain or disappointment.
- Ask for the help I need. That might mean asking someone I trust for practical support or raising a concern with my care team.
- Choose one manageable thing. It’s okay if that one thing is resting.
- Let tomorrow wait. I can give God the questions I can’t answer today.
A Prayer for Recovery and an Uncertain Pace
God, you know how this recovery has been going and how much the pain has discouraged me. Thank you for staying near in the days that feel harder than I expected. Help me be patient with my body, wise about the care I need, and willing to accept help. When I don’t know what comes next, remind me that I can bring you this day as it is. Amen.
Continue Your Journey
- God Is With Me in the Waiting Room is a reflection on waiting for surgery and facing an uncertain day.
- When Peace Doesn’t Mean Your Pain Is Small explores finding room to breathe without minimizing what hurts.
- When God Teaches Me to Receive Help reflects on why needing support does not mean we have failed.
A Resource for the Uncertain Days
The Healing Journey with Christ Resource Library offers Scripture cards, prayers, reading plans, and journaling pages. You can choose one that feels supportive, or simply take a quiet moment with God.
Still Walking This Journey?
Receive new Healing Journey with Christ devotionals in your inbox and access free Scripture cards, prayers, reading plans, journaling pages, and other Resource Library materials.
Call to Connect
Thank you for giving me room to return at a slower pace. If you’d like, share what has helped you through a season of recovery or waiting. You’re welcome to ask for prayer without sharing anything private.
Share Your Story
Has God met you in a season when you needed extra care? Your story may encourage someone else walking through a similar time. Share only what feels comfortable.
