“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold” (Psalm 119:71-72).
From my journal during a recent health battle I wrote the following. . .
The nausea and back pain are getting worse. All I want to do is sit by my fireplace, put some heat on my back and open the Word. I love how the Word instantly calms my anxiousness and restores my inner peace. Why is it then that I only seem to read my Bible and pray when I’m sick, tired, or frustrated?
Dear God, I know how important it is for me to spend time with You daily, but yet I do not do it. I know that when I do make my quiet time with You a priority my day starts off better, even if the day ends up challenging. I know that when I do not seek You, my attitude and temper seems to fly everywhere.
God, I don’t understand why it is I wait until I’m in a perilous condition before I decide to turn to you. Forgive me using You as my needs warrant. I will strive to spend more time with You because I love You and want to get to know You more!
For me, one ”good” thing about being ill is that I am reminded at how much I love being in the Word. When I’m sick, the first thing I do is snuggle up and open my Bible. Every time I tell myself, “Why not do this every day?!” In one sense, God uses my illness and health struggles to bring me back into a healthy relationship with Him. I don’t believe God causes me to be sick, but He does allow it because He knows it will make our relationship stronger.
Whenever I used to read this Scripture passage about how “good it is to be afflicted” I would say, “Whatever!” But now, I do believe the psalmist was right. Before, when my life was perfect and healthy, I did not seek out God. But now, because every day is a challenge, I turn to God much more often; His Word and Strength comforts me. May He comfort you as well!
Prayer: Dear God, I’m sorry for only coming to you when I need you. Help me to grow in my relationship with You as I daily strive to spend more time in the Word and in prayer. Amen.
About the author
Bridget Gazlay resides in beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with fibromyalgia, endometriosis, IBS, kidney stones, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric art on the side. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or artwork to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” Find out more about Bridget at: http://www.pfccreations.com.
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How has being chronically ill brought you closer to God?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 