Fears are a natural part of being ill but trusting God can deliver us new blessings. Patricia shares.
“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)
This scripture is one I have heard and read many time but today it reached me in a way it has never before. What a blessing and I give the Lord thanks for this.
Fear can “snowball” so quickly and lead to stress and anxiety which in turn escalates more fear. What are some fears often associated with chronic pain and illness? One certainly can be the fear from wondering if the pain is going to become unbearable and being concerned as to whether it will ever get better.
When God says He will rescue us from every trial, that He will ‘keep us from dashing our foot against a stone,’ when He says, ‘The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them from all their troubles,’ He means it from a larger perspective than we can comprehend. When He says He ‘forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases,’ it is true. But the meaning is beyond the temporal.
I am learning as years of chronic pain pass by, that God is always when me and that I never have more pain than I can deal with as long as I trust in Him. I am so thankful for the comfort of knowing this to be true.
I was told by a wise man that I face this trial because ‘I can be trusted with it.’ I am only now beginning to understand. And despite my fear and anxiety at times, I am to see that God’s provision dwells mightily in some of the worse circumstances, and that if I would be a ‘light in the darkness,’ I have to be in the darkness.
During every trial of pain, God delivers me into a new light. Each day, I find peace, during quiet moments of prayer and reflection or sometimes externally, through others or occurrences that speak of God’s care, love, and presence.
And, too, I hear from others who share their stories and witness. This fellowship is marvelous–we’re not alone! –and it reminds me all the more that, as we find ways to more peace, we can use our experience to lend a hand to others coping with pain and illness.
Prayer: Father, we ask Your peace and comfort as we live with pain and trials. Calm our fear and anxiety and show us how best to reach out to others needing Your peace. We thank You for always being with us. Amen.
About the author:
Patricia Armstrong lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her loving and supportive husband, Richard. Her desire is to serve the Lord each day and to reach out to others needing love and support.
How have you felt your spiritual life change since you became ill? Does it become easier to not give into fear?
This song, “He Said” with Group1Crew, featuring Chris August, is an awesome reminder of how God will take care of us no matter what and how many struggles we face. I hope you enjoy it. -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 