Chronic Illness Pain Devotionals

Lean Not On Your Own Understanding

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5 NIV)
Moving...Just the word can send shivers down the backs of those with physical limitations right?  Well that is where I am at the moment.  With very little help.   I have had many times during this move, where I sat and just cried.  Feeling so incredibly overwhelmed and physically drained; not knowing how on earth this is all going to get done. I had a permanent knot in my stomach for two months.
During prayer one day I started to laugh.  It was like I was trying to catch the wind. I saw how completely out of control I truly was.  How I was being tossed here and there by everyone.  I had to release the control.  No one was listening, the “world” did not care that my husband and I have disabilities. However,  I know the Lord cares for us and He knows our situation.  The knot was loosening when I put my hands in the air and laid the situation at His feet.  I still have not had many people offering to help, but I know in the end it will turn out all right. 
 This is yet another lesson in control and the lack thereof. . Those with physical limitations know first hand the release of control even over to the simplest things in life.  If we don't release the control over to the Lord we will suffer inside and be filled with anger, bitterness and sadness.  We don't have to understand, I don't think we always do, but we must be obedient to Christ.  A real lesson in trust and faith, that many don't ever experience.  I feel afraid now at times, with so much going on, but I heard someone say, “when you are overwhelmed just, do the next thing”  and in time it gets done!
Lean on my own understanding?  Well that causes nothing but heartache and anger.  I don't understand why people do what they do.   I had to learn to forgive their ways, mourn the loss and move on.  I also believe that when we pull out the weeds they can be replaced with beautiful flowers.

Kelly Ehrhardt, her husband and their new blessing Aria, reside in the big apple. They live there with their three spoiled cats.  Kelly has fibromyalgia and her husband has MS, but the blessing is they both can share every moment of every day with their beautiful daughter. 

Our Promised Land Awaits

“God spoke to him (Abraham) in this way: 'Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,' God said, 'and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.'” (Acts 7:6-7  NIV)

Sometimes God’s plan allows us to experience difficulties when we least expect them!

Consider the Israelites’ experience. Before their time of slavery, Joseph was given power by the pharaoh, and the Israelites were shown favor and lived a prosperous life in the fertile Nile River valley in wealthy, sophisticated Egypt. For a time, the Israelites were treated well and life was good, but God planned for them to make their home in Canaan, their promised land. In order to fulfill His plan, God allowed the Israelites to go through a time of persecution and slavery before He delivered them.

Can you see similarities in the Israelites’ journey to our own? As we consider our lives before chronic pain, we recall a time of physical and probably material comforts. Life was good and we most likely weren’t looking for a change. But then God allowed chronic pain or illness, and life became hard. Perhaps years of employment ended or we began difficult medical treatment. The time of living in our own “Nile River valleys” became a struggle and challenging.

Our journey, it seems, has suddenly changed and we now face difficulties. But, our Good News is that God has planned our journey through pain and illness, just like He knew and planned the Israelites’ journey. It’s not for us to know His path, timing or plan. Instead, our job is to believe with complete trust and faith that His plan is good; to remain completely dependent on Him; and to follow Him wherever He leads.

Our promised land awaits!

Prayer:  “Heavenly Father, You have a plan for our lives that is perfectly timed and for our good. We go wherever and however you lead us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Doris Farley experiences chronic pain that began after an accident. Her circumstances have led to an unexpected, life-changing spiritual journey that has renewed her commitment to our Lord. She thanks God for reaching her and prays that He will reach you also, through the words He gives her to write for you. You may write to her at dorisfarley@aol.com

There Is Still Hope

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

Earlier this year, a young lady from our church, found that life had become too much for her, and she took her own life.  Whilst I didn’t know her very well, I have since heard a lot about her and there was even a documentary done about her, that showed recently on television.  It was entitled “The Girl Least Likely”.

She was seen to be a happy, committed, Christian girl, a leader amongst her peers and a youth leader within our church.  But what wasn’t as clear to those around her, was the depression she was feeling and the fear of a future she couldn’t see how she could survive.

How can someone who is a Christian, feel they have no hope for their future?  Can someone who knows God and His power in their life, still feel that they cannot cope?

Years ago, I would probably have answered “No” to those questions, but now I know from personal experience that there are times when the answers are “Yes”.  It was a long time before I felt able to admit that there are times in my life where I don’t cope and fear what the future may be for me.  And I still believe that as Christians, we don’t make it easy for people to admit that.

God is a God of hope as the above verse says and He does give us, not only an eternal hope, but a hope that with His help, we will get through each day - even the really tough ones.  I believe that, but I still need to be reminded of it and ask God again, to fill me with His joy, peace and hope.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia and has had chronic pain for a number of years.  She prays that you may all know the true hope that only God can give us.

God Will Uphold You With His Love

“The LORD  upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14 NIV)

The above verse and the promise it contains, stood out to me yesterday.  I have just returned from a couple of weeks away and while I was away, I had a fall that has left me with a twisted ankle and some jarring to my, already sore, body.

Over the years since my accident, my balance seems to have got worse and I seem to have  had more falls.  Sometimes I think its due to a lack of concentration, but for whatever reason, it happens – and will possibly happen more often in my future.

Sometimes my life can seem to be a bit overwhelming.  There seems to be so much to deal with and when something else like a fall happens, it can seem to be “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.

What a promise there is in this verse.  Our God who knows everything about us, surely sees when we fall and will “uphold us”, but not only that, He will also “lift up those who are bowed down”.  He understands when we feel that there is just so much to cope with and He promises to help us survive the added things that seem to threaten to overwhelm us. 

My ankle will heal – but somewhere down the track, tomorrow, or maybe not for some time, something else will happen that shakes what little stability there seems to be in my life. 

No matter what happens, “God is our refuge and strength” it says in Psalm 46.  He will be there to help us when we fall, either physically, or just when we feel burdened by the pressures of living with a chronic illness.  God understands and God cares.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia.  She is so grateful that God is there for those who fall and prays that you will feel carried by Him in whatever you face today.

An Attitude Adjustment

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.  Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”  (Psalm 34:1-3 NIV)

As one who lives with chronic illness and pain it can be quite difficult at times to always praise the Lord and rejoice.  Most of the time we just want to pull the covers over our head and shut the world out and hope our pain leaves with the rest of the world. 

Unfortunately the pain doesn’t leave and we are faced with another painful day.  I know, I tried to shut the whole world out for a couple of years.  All that I accomplished was I lost friends, alienated my family and became a bitter person. 

Then one day I took a long look at myself in the mirror.  Not only didn’t I like the person on the outside, but I especially didn’t like the person on inside.  I thought to myself, if I didn’t like what I see then how can I expect others to want to be around me?  So I decided I needed a major attitude adjustment; but where was I to begin or go to help me make the change?

I went to the only One who could help me.  I turned to the One the Psalmist went to whenever He was discouraged, in pain, or being sought after by his enemies.  I opened my Bible to the book of Psalms and these verses practically leaped off the page.  At first it was difficult to praise the Lord, some days I didn’t even want to praise Him.  But after time I started to make a list of Praise.  It was a small list at first, but over time the Praise list has grown.  When I took my eyes off of me and focused on Who and What the Lord is and what that means to me, I was able to rejoice in my afflictions and glorify the Lord.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, may the pain of my affliction never be so great that I would not be able to praise You for being my Creator and Savior.  Amen.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michele Williams is a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, counselor, teacher, public speaker, business woman, and writer, who is trusting in God that He will strengthen her to rise above life's difficulties. Since 1985 Michele has lived with multiple chronic illnesses: Fibromyalgia, CFS, ME, Peripheral Neuropathy, Interstitial cystitis, IBS, chemical sensitivities, to name a few.  She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband of 34 years, their two dogs and a cat. Visit Michele’s very encouraging blog at:  http://michele-risingabove.blogspot.com/ 

Huh? Are You Sure? That Doesn't Make Sense!

"Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite." (Psalms 147:5 NIV)

I have an elderly friend who asked me to teach her how to use a computer. Her idea of a mouse is a little furry creature that eats cheese. Windows are something she cleans on Tuesdays, and surfing the net invokes ideas of a day at the beach. In other words, she doesn't know a thing about computers.

But, that's O.K. She has spent time teaching me things about life and most importantly, about eternal life.  The least I can do is afford her a few hours of computer training. She is someone very important to me and I enjoyed showing her "the basics."

We finished my tutorial and I began to explain how to shut down the computer. My exact instructions were...."First click on the 'Start' button in the lower left hand of your computer screen."

"But you said we were going to quit," she replied.

"Yes, I know. Click on the 'Start' button in the lower left hand corner."

"Huh? Are you sure? That doesn't make sense. I want to quit and you say to click 'Start."

My response was, "Trust me. I've been doing this a long time. I know what I am doing."

You know, sometimes we interact with God like that. In fact, a lot like that. Take for instance, when God tells us to do something that just doesn't make sense to us. When He tells us to do something like that, to our minds it seems backwards. How do we respond?

"Huh? Are you sure? That doesn't make sense."

Maybe today you are facing one of those times. Perhaps God has instructed you to give something that seems like it is too great to give.

Know what God says to us?

"Trust me. I've been doing this a long time. I know what I'm doing."

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About the Author: Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock.  Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering.  Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. She lives with CIDP and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days.

Making Decisions

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

There are so many decisions to make in life. From the time we open our eyes in the morning until we shut them at night, we are constantly making decisions. There are big decisions, such as treatment options, surgery, career decisions, and financial decisions. Other decisions are on a smaller scale, like what clothes to wear, which route to take to work, when to take medications, etc.... Nevertheless, be it large or small, every decision we make has an effect on our lives.

Some of the biggest decisions we will have to make are about healthcare, be it our own or the welfare of a loved one. These decisions seem overwhelming especially when we are already dealing with illness. In these times, we certainly want to make the best decision on all dimensions, such as welfare, finances, living conditions, dignity  and quality of life. The proverb above implies that in trusting God, we become better decision makers, as we are guided by the wisdom of the all-knowing God. The greatest knowledge we can gain is realizing that we do not know everything. As a result, we need to seek God before making choices. This grants Him the ability to direct our steps onto the right path.

It is only through the wisdom of God that we’re able to make good life decisions. In light of God’s decision to never leave nor forsake His children, we can then wait for Him to lead our life choices.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock.  Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering.  Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. She lives with CIDP and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days. 

Where Do You Hide Your Heart?

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts
to Him, for God is our refuge."  Psalm 62:8 NIV

In a world where pain and suffering abound, where do you
hide your heart?   Do you find yourself crying in your sleep,
praying that someone understands what you are going through?
Do you find that loved ones and friends have stopped calling, or
do you hear the words, if you just stopped feeling sorry for
yourself and snapped out of it, you would be much better off?
I think the worst response I have ever heard is," If you just prayed
harder, had more faith in God, He would heal you.  There must
be some unresolved sin in your life!"

Where do you hide your heart? Oh precious little lamb of God, it
is not your fault that you are sick, in pain or suffering.  We live in
a broken world.  Trials and tribulations come to us all. It is part of
the human condition.  There is Someone Who truly knows what
you are facing and Someone Who truly cares about your every
need.  His name is Jesus, The Good Shepherd.

Go to Jesus, tell Him your pain, your sorrows and cares. Tell
Him how scared you are.  Visualize Jesus, The Good and Gentle
Shepherd holding you, embracing you in His arms of boundless
mercy and love, drying your tears and speaking words of love
to you.  God loves you so very much.  You matter.  "For God so
loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16 NIV)
God did not say that those of us who have chronic illness are
exempt from eternal life....He said, Whoever believes in Jesus, God's
Son would not perish, but have eternal life.

Where do you hide your heart?  Go to The Great and Wonderful
Shepherd, Jesus and rest in His abiding love for you.  Let Him carry
you through the storms of life. He will never let you go.

You will never be the same, I promise you.

God’s Blessings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kay DeCarlo,46, Devotion Coordinator for Rest Ministries lives with her
husband Joe and  two sweet furry dog children, Daphne Mae and Alice
in beautiful New England USA.  As a survivor of Hodgkin's Disease and
Congestive Heart Failure, Kay has never lost sight that God is bigger than
any trial nor circumstace she faces.  Kay lives with Dilated Cardiomyopathy,
a form of heart failure, Diabetes, Bipolar Disorder and Panic Disorder.

Getting Through the Night

"But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them," (Luke 24:29)

 

I am in the hospital, the place I least like to be and the place where I get the least amount of rest imaginable.  I have made it through another day, but I am not looking forward to the evening. The nights always seem much longer.  The evening, with its lack of activity brings my fears to the fore, and I am more conscious of my pain, discomfort and my medical circumstances.

 

In reading the above passage from Luke I could clearly understand the disciples need for companionship, especially toward evening time. Who better to have as a companion during times of fear and doubt than our Savior?  I, like the disciples, ask the Lord to help me get through the night.  I ask Him to give me the self-control to take things a day, or indeed a night at a time, and to give me the rest I so desperately need.

 

There are many readers across the world who are often touched by a devotional and who take the time to write and share their thoughts. Not long ago, a devotional reader from Australia sent me a note with some prayer cards she had made. I have them throughout my Bible and the card I came across this evening says, "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You." (Psalm 56:3 NIV) That pares things down to the very basics, doesn't it? When we have fear, we just need to trust in God.  Whether it is evening, afternoon or morning, let's all take our fear and put it before God in prayer - we put our trust in Him to show us the way through and on the other side of fear.

Prayer: Dear Lord, watch over all who are spending a restless night in a hospital or away from home. Comfort the sick, troubled and dying. May we be mindful of Your caring presence with us every moment of the day and night. Amen.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her cat, Shamrock.  Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering.  Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan. She lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the most difficult of days.

The Rock

For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27: 5 NIV)

We have had a lot of "emergency situations" lately, one after another. My husband was hospitalized due to muscle spasms that made it hard for him to breathe. I cringed at having to face one more thing.

Then, I remembered my now favorite saying ... “Sometimes God calms the storm, sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms the child.”  I am realizing how easily I panic, get upset, think the worst, and get all tangled up inside when things go wrong, instead of relying on God and going to him right away.

I let my thoughts get away from me and they spiral down, down, down.  When we were following the ambulance (my youngest son was driving us), I imagined myself on a huge rock in the middle of a stormy sea.  The waves were crashing on the rock, the winds whirling around me.  It was almost comical as I felt I was in the middle of a hurricane - kind of like the tornado in the Wizard of Oz movie.  All the things that had been going wrong were swirling about me, but I set my mind on staying on the rock.  I imagined Jesus next to me on the rock.  He was standing tall and strong.  At first I imagined standing next to him, but I realized it felt more real for me to be sitting on the rock, holding on to him.  I so needed something to hold on to.

When we got to the emergency room, (I tend to have panic attacks in the ER, since my daughter died there) and dug out my cell phone to play solitaire to distract myself, I realized I had my Bible Reader too.   I opened that instead and figured I'd go to Psalms.  I picked Psalm 27 and started reading.  I smiled. How like God to confirm what I was doing.  How like God to meet me, right where I was.  No chiding, no scolding for my fears, but holding me closely, saying, “Yes … I AM the Rock, stand on Me.”

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About The Author: 

deni weber  lives in Valpo, Indiana and has been challenged with Ankylosing Spondylistis, Celiac Sprue, Atrial Fibrillation, and other chronic conditions.  deni sees God leading her on a “parade of daily adventures” towards knowing His love, mercy, and grace.