Chronic Illness Pain Devotionals

God Cares

“Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength. Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city.  The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.  Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion.  (Isaiah 52:1-2 NIV)

Have you had days when you heart was too heavy to worship?  Maybe the pain had been almost unbearable or the bills were coming in and finances were strained.  Or there could have been days when no one seemed to understand the pain you were going through and you feel so lonely.

It’s during these very difficult times that we need to worship.  God will reach out to us in our pain and trials of life.  He can bring us peace these painful times.  We must remember that what is important is that we use our pain to draw closer to God.  He is still there even when we feel He is so far away.

When life seems so empty, God still loves  His children and we must strive not to let trials dictate how and when we worship God.  He has promised that all things will work for the good for those who love Him and are called for His purpose.  We don’t always understand how He will do this, but remember He has been there in the past and He will be there in our future.

In this life pain and disappointment are inevitable.  But how we handle our setbacks and disappointments shape our character and prepare us for eternity.  No matter what trial or pain we may go through in this life, God is with us.  He is a present help in our time of trouble.  Never let the world make you feel that God does not care or that He has abandoned you.  He has promised to heal the brokenhearted and to bind up their wounds.  He is talking about You and Me.  What a joy to know this is true.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with her husband, Richard.  She is a retired elementary school teacher.  Patricia enjoys serving the Lord at her church and church conference center, gardening, camping and reading.  Patricia deals with constant pain from neuropathy but finds comfort in knowing this trial has brought her closer to the Lord.

Blaming Or Acknowleding

“Get rid of all bitterness...Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31,32

How often do we blame others for our troubles? Do we think God is unjust for the way he treats us or allows things to happen to us? The first man, Adam, blamed Eve. And Eve blamed the serpent. So it has been with their descendants ever since.

We see it plainly in young children. In “mature” adults too.  People do mistreat each other. Even the best parents sometimes harm their children. Because of our inherent sinful natures we hurt one another, intentionally or not.

Some of us tend to think we’re defective in some way and that we’re the ones at fault for our circumstances, perhaps for our illness or disability. In fact, sometimes we don’t treat our bodies as we should.

How can we deal with this finger-pointing and guilt? Well, first we must recognize it. Then, especially if deep suffering is involved, I think we must go through a period of grieving. At some time confession to God and a willingness to forgive is necessary for real spiritual healing. I’d like to emphasize here that we need to be kind to ourselves and forgive ourselves as well as others.

Later, when heightened pain reminds us of what happened, the process may have to be repeated, usually for a shorter time. Eventually, by God’s grace, we can acknowledge the injustice of others or ourselves and no longer point the finger of blame or sense the sting of guilt.

With the release of these negatives, our personalities change. God’s sweet Spirit produces the wholesome fruit of righteousness in our hearts. No longer will we go around as if “the world owed us a living” or trying to prove something. Instead, we’ll want to spend our time enjoying intimacy with Him and giving of ourselves to others, with no strings attached. Bitterness is finally replaced with compassion and love.

“Dear Lord, I praise you for extending forgiveness, so undeserved, to me, at such a high price. Please enable me to forgive myself and those who have hurt me.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Beth Cottrill lives in a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada, with her recently retired pastor/teacher husband, Bob. She finds living with Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, osteo-arthritis and a stroke of several years ago a challenge, but also training for a ministry to others. This couple have one child, a dear son, a special daughter-in-law, who with their two wonderful young children are living in Mexico, preparing for a church planting ministry.