Seven Daily Devotionals While I Don’t Feel Well
Friends:
We all get sick from time to time and don’t feel like going to church. Even so, the church is thinking of you and praying for you. It is my prayer that your illness will not last the seven days of these devotionals. We pray for your restoration and recovery. Get well soon! May G-d abide with you.
Pastor Bill
Sickness
Our Confession: Lord, I do not feel well today. I have so many things to do and so many places I need to be, but I just don’t feel up to doing anything. My prayers to you for healing have more apology in them than confidence. And I wonder, if I don’t get well right away, is it because my faith is so weak?
Scriptures:
Mark 5:27-28. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.”
Matthew 8:8. The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed.
A Devotional: In these two scriptures, people had faith and confidence that Jesus would heal them. Both people had feelings of unworthiness. The woman did not want to bother Jesus directly, so she sneaked up to touch his cloak. The centurion did not bring Jesus into his home because the centurion felt unworthy to receive him. Even so, they were bold enough to go to Jesus for his healing.
I believe that we often think that we are not worthy of Jesus’ healing. Or we think that our illness is not severe enough to call on G-d and his Son in prayer. But Lord G-d tells us to come boldly and ask for grace and healing. To come with confidence and assurance that his healing is for us. Whether it be a sniffle or something serious, I ask you to pray to our Lord for healing with confidence that your prayers will be heard. Pray for your doctors and caregivers. Pray for the researchers and the scientists. Pray for others who share your illness. And then be patient and see what wonders G-d will do for you.
Our Prayer:
Jesus, I know you have the power to heal me and you want me to be well. I push away my hurt, my feelings of unworthiness, and I gather my small faith to pray boldly for your healing. Let me feel your grace and mercy this day as my body responds to the medicine of the Holy Spirit and to the ministrations of those caring for me. I trust your Word that my healing will go soul deep. That my faith will also be strengthened.
Help my doctors, nurses and other caregivers to partner with you in my healing.
Cause this illness to take leave of my body and leave in its place peace and wellness. Take from my body all that is unwell and fill me with your Holy Spirit and your goodness.
I receive the healing you have for me today, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Family
Our Confession: Lord, I don’t feel well today. My family has offered to help, yet I have sent them away too many times. I don’t want to impose. I don’t want them to catch what I have. Maybe I just want to be by myself.
Scriptures:
James 1:27. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Ephesians 2:19. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God,
Deuteronomy 5:16. Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
A Devotional: When we are sick, we don’t think we can trouble our family and friends who are like family. They have their lives to live and we don’t want to be a drag. We don’t consider that our family and friends really love us and wants to help us. That their helping us is how they honor us and is a spiritual work as taught by the scriptures. It is a measure of grace when we allow others, especially our family, to care for us when we are sick. Caring brings out the very best in people.
And if we can think of G-d as our Father in Heaven, we must conclude that he has every kind and gentle attribute of the perfect father. Even more, that he would reflect the very best of our mother’s love and care. Our earthly parents might fall short of the ideal, but G-d always measures up. As people of faith, we are members of G-d’s household. We are family. And he marshals every manner of healing and care for us. His love for us is unsurpassed. His power is unimaginable. And comes to our sickroom to tenderly bring us all that we need to get well.
Prayer:
My heavenly Father, come to me now in my time of need. You created me and have plans for me. I am your child and I accept that you tenderly love me. Thank you for adopting me into your heavenly family.
Lord, please give me the grace to accept the help my family and friends want to give. Help me to know that I am not an imposition on them. Let me fully know how much they love me.
And Lord, heal my family in ways that I don’t even know they need. Bless my family and friends who are like family.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Anger
Our Confession: Lord, I am ill, and I am flat mad about it. Being sick puts me in a sour mood. I know that is not helping me to get well and is hard on those taking care of me. I need some help with this!
Scriptures:
Ephesians 4:26-27. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil.
Romans 12:12. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
Galatians 5:22-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
A Devotion: We often get angry when we get sick and look for ways to vent our anger. Unfortunately, that will sometimes include those dear to us. It is hard to be patient while we are healing. Even harder while we are waiting for a diagnosis or prognosis. Just as we pray and meditate on our healing, we should include patience in our prayers. There is a peace and comfort that can only come from G-d. There is an assurance that no matter how the course of this illness goes, that in the end we will be just fine.
If we have gotten angry with our circumstances, we probably have said words to our loved ones that we did not mean. They were just handy targets for our frustration. We probably need to ask forgiveness from those we have lashed out at.
Our anger management program likely requires that we find a replacement for our anger. A substitute for our negative feelings. Patience and kindness would work well. In fact, Paul gives us a list of the fruits of the Spirit. Even when we are sick, these can replace our frustration and anger. That will bring comfort to our family, who are probably a bit worried about us anyway. And I think, these will open ourselves to G-d’s healing Spirit.
Prayer:
Father G-d, I pray for patience while you heal me. Heal my heart and make it whole. I am sorry for my angry reactions to my illness. I am sorry I have hurt the very people who are loving me with their care. Show me how to be patient and kind, loving and good, gentle and under control while I am recovering. And let these spiritual fruits in me inspire others so that when they face illness or challenges, they will know how you would have us respond.
Fill me with your love. Take away my self-centeredness. I leave all the things that trouble me in your hands, and I refuse to give into anger.
In Jesus’ name, amen!
Purpose
Our Confession: This illness tries to diminish me. Tries to make me less than what I am. It wears on me and I doubt my purpose in your Kingdom. Lord, I need a pep talk!
Scriptures:
Romans 8:28. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Ephesians 1:9-11. he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,…
A Devotion: When we are sick, our world narrows. Doctor visits, taking medicine, undergoing tests, doing rehab seem to occupy too much of our time, even as we do not feel well. And in our narrowing world, we sometimes forget that G-d’s purpose for us is broad and it is good.It is good for us to meditate on the purpose you have revealed to us. And if we are not clear about our purpose now, we ask you to show us a path to understanding.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a book written by Mitch Albon. It is a book about a young man in his prime, a mover and shaker in his profession, and his Tuesday visits with his old college professor named Morrie. Morrie was dying, but his spirit grew stronger as he taught the great lessons of life to that young man. Lessons about what is important. About how we self-identify; our relationships; our attitudes; our love; our desire to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Even in his illness, Morrie found that his purpose in life was to teach the lessons of life. In some small measure, even though our illness is probably not as dire, our purpose at this time and in our place just might be showing others how to live in G-d’s grace.
Prayer:
Father, I know that you have a divine purpose for my life. Something you have planned, even when I am not feeling well. Thank you, Lord. Help me defy this illness and fulfill your plan. Help me resist the distractions and cares of this life and fight against my world becoming narrow. Even as I am sick, allow me the grace of showing you to others. Let your Gospel of Good News be forever on my lips. Help me continue to make a difference for good in the lives of those around me.
Stress
Our Confession: Lord, this sickness is stressing me out! I have bills to pay, lunches to prepare, ball games to go to and this illness is interfering with everything. And Lord, I admit that I am a little worried about things. I might even be a little afraid. Lord, please settle me and help me manage my fear and anxiety.
Scriptures:
Jeremiah 17:7-8. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Matthew 6:34. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
A Devotion: There is probably nothing more relaxing than sitting by a stream and watching the waters go by. Hearing the birds sing. Watching leaves make their way with the current. Seeing light reflecting off the ripples, eddies and wet stones of the creek. Then, imagine yourself as a tree planted by that water. Bearing fruit in season and always a witness to the goodness of the earth. Those are the images Jeremiah offers us, as we trust G-d to heal us and bring us to wholeness.
I am no doctor, but I am sure that worry and anxiety are not good for us, especially when we are sick. We are used to performing certain tasks, we need to work and earn a paycheck and the anxiety about our illness seems to be the last straw. But there is good news and that is the invitation from Jesus to just bring our worries and troubles to him, and trust that he will find a way for us. Just thinking about G-d and his love and care for us ought to bring our blood pressure down a notch or two. The path to wellness includes our walk by that stream Jeremiah writes of, sensing G-d’s love and care, and just giving our troubles over to him.
And fear. Frank Herbert wrote that fear is the mindkiller. It is the little-death. It drives us inward. Lord G-d knows we can be afraid. That is why so many times, he told us “Do not be afraid”. G-d will help us conquer our fear. He will walk with us in the dark valleys. He will restore our souls.
Prayer:
Father, I am weary of being sick and this sickness is a worrisome burden to me and my family. I come to you now and pray that you will show me the path to your waters. That I have the trust to just give my burdens over to you. That I don’t lay them down only to rush to pick them back up. You promise that if I’m worried and stressed, then I can come to you and find rest for my soul. Lord, I need that rest this day.
Forgive me for being anxious, stressed, worried and even fearful. Forgive me for not trusting you to take care of my needs. I am sorry for any resentment and bitterness that I have been clinging to. Let my prayers gather strength as you forgive me and empower me to seek a place of calmness. I receive your forgiveness now in Jesus’ name. I trust that you will take care of me and those who have depended on me.
I receive your peace, your rest, and your grace today, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Relationships
My Confession: I feel cut off from everybody while I am sick. I am tired of conversations that revolve around my symptoms and medications. I am tired of long looks and I refuse to be defined by my illness. I long for laughter and a good joke. I confess that even a little good-natured gossip would be welcome. I just want things back to normal with my friends and my family.
Scriptures:
John 15:12-15. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.
A Devotional: There is nothing that will make us feel better than a visit by a good friend or loved one. Sometimes, we need to give them permission to joke and laugh a little. Every smile is a dose of medicine for us. Love is a powerful healing agent. Joy in our relationships will get us through some tough times.
We were created to be in relationship with G-d and others. In the swirling cosmos of creation, G-d, his Son and the Holy Spirit were together. Giving life and order. And our Triune G-d has invited us into this dance. His covenant relationship and promises to be with us and save us permeate our very being. And in his grace, we are made to be in community with others. And when we are sick, we miss that community.
And so, we just have to be gracious enough to accept visitors if we can, and not fret too much about how we look or the condition of the house. Tell the old stories. Laugh a bit. Then rest.
And if our illness is such that we cannot receive visitors, perhaps we can still visit with folks on our devices. Call up a friend. Send a text. And remember, our best friend is Jesus. He is always just a prayer away.
Prayer:
Father, I’m amazed that you would name me as a friend. I want to be a good friend to you and to those you put in my life. Lord, please remind my friends of my isolation. Send them my way. Make them comfortable in the visit.
Fill me with your love so that I can love them and offer encouraging words. Stimulate my imagination and allow me to reflect and reminisce with them. So that when the visit is over, we both will have been blessed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Provision
Our Confession: Lord, as I am sick, I feel that I am in need. I feel helpless. Others are in control of things I normally would handle with ease. Lord, it seems that sometimes I just don’t trust you to take care of things. I know it is wrong for me to even think that, but there it is. Help me Lord, to trust you day by day and even hour by hour.
Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 9:8. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
Philippians 4:19. And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:31-33. Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?’ or “What will we drink?’ or “What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
A Devotion: When we are sick, our needs are very real. And we know that our family’s needs are also real and we are anxious because we are not getting things done for them. And we wonder how we are all going to make do. It is a trust issue. We don’t trust G-d as well as we should. We are not sure others can do without us. And we even push away the help that friends might offer, not considering that they are likely the hands and feet of Christ and are the answers to our prayers for help.
And if we think back to other tough times we have been through, we see that we came through. That what is before us seems worse than it really will be. That the same G-d who has seen us this far will lovingly see us the rest of the way. It just takes a large measure of grace to trust G-d, but when we do, we are blessed. We realize more fully his love for us. And we have peace in that love.
Prayer:
Lord, I am so thankful for your providence. You give me all I need. Lord, in my sickness, I ask your continued help for myself and those who have depended upon me. Use this time to teach us that we have the strength to do more than we believe that we can do. Call up in us our reserves. Increase our faith and trust. Remind us of your blessings.
Especially, Lord, I am thankful for Jesus. I love his gentleness. His touch takes away my fear. His promise of eternal life gives me the utmost comfort. His forgiveness brings me the peace I so need.
You provide me with every blessing in abundance. I will always have enough and will be able to share abundantly with others in every good work. I seek you first and thank you for meeting all my needs according to your riches in Christ Jesus. Amen.