Finding Hope When Living With Chronic Pain and Illnessनमुना

Five Simple Truths

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” —Deuteronomy 31:8

Chronic pain and chronic illness are such solitary things. Unless you live with it, it’s difficult to understand. You look perfectly fine on the outside. Therefore, you must be fine, correct? Well, if you are the one experiencing it, you know that statement couldn’t be further from the truth.

Chronic illness is complex. Our bodies feel defective or inferior, and we have little control over any of it. So many parts of navigating chronic pain and illness are unknown, but take heart! None of it is a surprise to God. People who don’t have a chronic condition often don’t “get it,” so it’s easy to feel isolated. It’s even normal to question God. Just remember that you’re not truly alone, even if you feel that way sometimes. Read these simple truths. It’s important to get them into your heart—way down deep—so you never forget them:

• God sees you. He is there in the gentle breeze you feel on your face, and He knows every breath you take.
• God is with you. He always walks beside you, behind you, and in front of you.
• God knows you. You are created in His image, and He knows you better than anyone (even yourself!). He has counted the number of hairs on your head. He’s called you by name, and you are His child.
• God loves you. God never promised a pain-free life, but He did promise to be with you every step of the way.
• You are not your illness or pain. They are just one part of you, but they don’t define you. God does.

During a flare-up, the enemy may try to convince you that you’re alone and that God has abandoned you. The enemy wants you to quit and focus on the negatives. Remind the enemy that Christ is by your side. With Him, there is nothing you can’t do. He is your strength when you feel weak. Moses gave Joshua and Israel an encouraging promise in Deuteronomy 31:8. And that promise is for us, as well. Go back and reread the verse. Memorize it. Find solace in it. And take comfort in the Lord.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to walk beside me today, no matter the circumstance. Amen.

Did this plan encourage you? It was adapted from Hope Amid the Pain: Hanging on to Positive Expectations When Battling Chronic Pain and Illness (a 60-day devotional journal), published by Ambassador International. Learn more at www.leslielmckee.com.