How to Think When You’re Sick

The Power of God’s Word to Strengthen You Spirit, Soul, and Body

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change

and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up

[close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

Isaiah 40:31 (AMPC)

I think we’d all agree that dealing with sickness is one of the most difficult things in life. It’s something that not only affects our bodies, but it takes a toll on us mentally and emotionally.

When we’re sick, the enemy likes to bombard our minds with negative thoughts like, This is never going to work out. You’re never going to get well...it’s just going to keep getting worse.

However, one of the ways I’ve learned to stop the wrong thoughts is to fill my mind with the right thoughts from God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, …the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power...(AMPC).Thinking and speaking His Word literally breathes life into our situation!

Years ago when I was battling cancer, God put it on my heart to fill my mind with the following things, then speak them out loud as often as I could. I would think and say:

“God, I know that You love me. I believe that all things work out for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. I put my trust in You, and I will not fear.” (Romans 8:28, 35-39; Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 3:5)

The truth is that all of our thoughts—good or bad—have an effect on our physical body. Our bodies are like an automobile that God provides for us to drive around on earth. If we want them to perform to their maximum ability and be around for a long time, then we need to choose to think in ways that will help them.

I encourage you to focus on things that are positive and full of hope from God’s Word, especially if you are battling sickness in any way. Choose to think things like: I am blessed, and I’m getting stronger every day—the Lord renews my strength. I receive healing because Jesus died to take away sickness and disease. God has a great plan for my life, and I am expecting great things for my future. Something good is going to happen to me today!(Isaiah 30:18, 40:31, 53:5; Ephesians 1:3; Jeremiah 29:11)

Prayer: “Dear God, please comfort me when I am sick. Remind me of Your love and help me to speak Your words of encouragement over my life. You are the Great Physician, and You have the power to heal all of my diseases—just like the Bible says. Be with me in these times and help me to rely on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Walk It Out: What’s your first instinct when you’ve become ill in the past? Is it to become fearful, worried, or hopeless? Or is it to turn to God’s Word or to pray? Maybe you feel better after talking with a trusted friend, who was able to provide some sort of support—whether emotional, physical, or spiritual? Today, try to think of who you can support like that. Is there someone in your life who is sick? Or maybe just going through a difficult time? Reach out to that person today and give them a word of comfort, share a Bible verse, or maybe even deliver some soup! You never know how much your kindness will mean.