Thorn in the Flesh
In the New Testament (Corinthians 12:7-8), the Apostle Paul says, "Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times, I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Why the focus on a thorn"in the flesh," but not in the heart or the soul?
Moreover, what does "thorn in the flesh" mean from a psychological perspective?
Though paradoxical, some people feel uneasy when things are going well. They spend months or years going to individual/group psychotherapy, reading specialized books, practicing meditation and yoga, etc. Finally, they reach the desired peace of mind, and realize they dont know what to do next. This uncertainty can lead them to create new problems to solve.
What is the purpose of creating these new problems, considering that behaviors and thoughts in the psyche typically serve certain goals?
One of the most common mechanisms of coping with stress is "dissociation," a defensive process that helps people to "rise above their current problems” and look beyond them. Dissociation appears as depersonalization (a feeling of losing oneself); distancing (a distorted sense of time); derealization (a feeling of being "in a fog”); or amnesia (forgetting a particular event).
Pierre Janet, a 19th century French psychologist and doctor, was the first to describe dissociation in persons with hysteria. In dissociation, the brain creates a barrier between awareness and perception of particular, usually negative, stimuli, working like a fuse in an electrical circuit that prevents overloading. Dissociation is a defensive reaction, especially to excessive stress or trauma, which helps to endure painful experiences, emotions, and memories.
Subtle forms of dissociation, often unnoticed, can be triggered by everyday events. For example, the so-called "road hypnosis" that describes the feeling of driving on autopilot; "being with a flow" that involves losing track of time due to deep engagement in an activity; and "obsessive dreams" that entail fantasizing to the point of disconnecting with reality. People usually recognize they were dissociated only after coming back to reality.
To counter dissociation, individuals might rely on something tangible that anchors them in the present moment, like the "thorn in the flesh" concept. This kind of discomfort can draw them back to reality. Though seemingly negative, it can serve beneficial purposes.
For Apostle Paul, his "thorn in the flesh" served to keep his ego and sense of self-importance in check. He prayed three times to get rid of it, but received an unequivocal negative response.
Just like the modern proverb of, "no pain, no gain," a "thorn in the flesh" acts as a crucial reminder of our vulnerabilities, serving as a safeguard against becoming overly self-satisfied or complacent.
Engaging with tools like virtual psychotherapy or online mental health counseling can provide support in managing these challenges. By addressing and understanding these inner thorns through virtual cognitive behavioral therapy or pre-marriage counseling, individuals can gain valuable insights and maintain a balanced sense of self. Start your journey by exploring the services E Clinic has to offer or book a free consultation with us to talk about your needs with a professional.
D.Avtonomov©