Regarding Restoration of Health…

When they are sick, God will restore them, lying upon their bed of suffering, he will raise them up again and restore them back to health. (Psalm 41:3, TPT)

Over the last several years as a nation and even globally, we have been through the ringer health wise. We have, as people, experienced record number of sickness, disease, even death from sickness and disease. There is no better time to think about not only our own health—but the health of everyone, everywhere. Our physical, mental, emotional, and relational health and how tentative good health can be.

When we are sick it causes pain in more ways than one. When we or those we care about become sick, we can experience depression, fear, anxiety, and stress. When we, or others are sick, all kinds of scenarios present themselves in our mind and emotions.

But just as sickness can make us feel vulnerable and out of control, fearful and anxious; open up so many thoughts and emotions in us, it can also open a path and lead us to the healing power of Christ.

Strangely in the weakness brought on by sickness, we are more open to the person and power of Christ. More open to learning and hearing how Jesus is near to those who are unwell and what he is able to do. More open to receive the truths that have become foundation and helped many through their difficulties, challenges, and sicknesses.

Somethings we discover about Christ during sickness can be he does not abandon us on our sickbed or in our unwellness. He does not turn away from us but embraces us. He does not criticize us for feeling afraid or nervous but comes close to heal our heart and mind, to comfort and reassure us and sometimes he will even heal our sickened body if earthly healing is part of God’s plan for us. Let’s pray,

O Lord, more than ever we need you to be close when we are sick. Thank you for not criticizing or making us feel faithless because we are fearful or nervous. Thank you for reminding us that God can raise us up and restore us back to health. Amen

Reflective Questions for Self and Soul-Tending:

Are the promises of God especially important to you right now? Do you have need for God to raise you up from your sickbed or restore you back to health? If you are experiencing any sickness have you remembered God’s promise and asked him to fulfill them in your life?

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of self and soul-care?