A Godly Perspective for Seasons of Sickness
It’s easy to forget how miserable it is to be sick until you are “under the weather” yourself. As we all know, the flu and other viruses are running rampant these days. Does anything good come from these seasons of sickness? Here are a few lessons I’ve learned!
Humility. Our bodies can quickly become frail. Fevers make us shake and sweat. Nausea crumples us up. Coughs rob us of much needed sleep. Lack of nutrition weakens us. Sickness humbly reminds us of our physical limitations. May we gain perspective on the shortness of life and make the most of each day we are given, whether healthy or sick.
Proverbs 18:14—“A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?”
Dependence. Often in life we prefer independence and avoid asking for help. When we get sick we usually get to the point that we have to ask for assistance. We need outside aid and attention. Sickness teaches us to let others come alongside us in life. May we more regularly ask for help and be willing to help and encourage others.
Isaiah 41:6—“Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, ‘Be strong!’”
Thankfulness. Gratitude. Doctors. Medicine. Food. Shelter. When we get sickly we are well to reflect on the many blessings we have in access to care and provision that many others do not. Our illnesses are often short-lived and less severe because of the blessings that come with living where we live. May we thank God for the many resources He has given us access to. On the bad days of suffering may we grow in appreciation for the many good days we have been given.
Job 2:10—“Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?”
Compassion. In our short passing illnesses we are reminded that other have chronic, long-lasting sickness that leaves them in an almost constant state of pain and discomfort. In our temporary suffering we grow a greater compassion for those in more significant states of disease and suffering. May our hearts grow softer towards those in ongoing situations of physical difficulty, showing them kindness in practical ways and taking them to our Lord in prayer for healing.
Matthew 4:24—“So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.”
Prayer. When we get sick we know we need doctors and medicine, but beyond the medical assistance we seek spiritual deliverance through prayer. We know God can heal more quickly and completely than any other method so we petition Him together with greater urgency and faith.
James 5:14—“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
Sickness points us forward towards forever healing available with Christ. In our times of weakness may we more deeply long to be in Jesus’ presence with no more pain and suffering. May we long to enjoy the grandeur of our Creator forever.
Revelation 21:3–4 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”