The Bible presents many suffering people who were miraculously healed in response to prayers. Miriam was healed of leprosy (Numbers 12:1-15). King Hezekiah, who was terminally ill, was given 15 years more to live (2 Kings 20:1-7). Job suffered too (Job 2:7)—enduring months of it before he was restored (Job 42:10).
We can also learn from David who wrote a prayer during a time of a prolonged life-threatening illness (Psalm 6:2-3,5). We can’t be sure when this took place. Perhaps it was during the year following his adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11–12). David wrote of his physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges, producing the prayer of a person afflicted in body and spirit (Psalm 6:2-3).
He acknowledged that his pain was a consequence of specific sins committed, and that an angered God was disciplining him (Psalm 6:1). David was physically weakened by the illness, spiritually anguished by his lack of intimacy with God, and emotionally exhausted by his sorrowing (Psalm 6:2-3,6). So in repentance and on the basis of God’s compassion and unfailing love, he asked for God’s forgiveness, favor, and restoration.
Suffering may not come because of specific sins. Nevertheless, on the same basis of God’s compassion and mercy, we cry out to God for His healing and restoration: “Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. . . . Return, O LORD, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love” (Psalm 6:2-4). And in simple trust and humble faith we affirm, “The LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer” (Psalm 6:8-9).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ruth 3:1-18
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 to see Paul’s resolve in the midst of suffering and pain.
Next:
Are you enduring a season of suffering? Let Psalm 6 be your prayer and encouragement as you look to God for His healing and restoration.
Gary Shultz on March 17, 2015 at 5:59 am
Ah, yes suffering, a not often requested thing. It comes in many forms, it can be seen and unseen, physical, mental, and emotional. It can and does affect and consume life’s concentration. But God, as nasty as it may seem has arranged for the soul, in all the soul is His highest priority. Beyond that is His purpose and will, if we strive for holiness in His presents He will bring the perfect conclusion to our dilemma. Thank you
nattykins on March 17, 2015 at 7:50 am
Definitely needed this, this morning. Both this and the ODB have really hit home for me. I was in nursing school 10 years ago as a senior in high school, and completed 3/4 of the program. Unfortunately it did not work in my favor. I was crushed beyond measure, and even strayed from God for a bit. Now, I’m in the process of trying to go back. I’m now facing a feeling of overwhelming anxiety. I’m constantly doubting my abilities to get through it. The financial obligation is quite astronomical. With all these feelings, I’m having strong doubts if I should even proceed. Brothers and sisters in Christ, please keep me in prayer, for I truly need it. Thank you and God Bless.
gshafer11 on March 17, 2015 at 9:08 am
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” No one who putteth thy hand to the plow and looketh back is fit for the Kingdom of God” “I know the plans I have for you sayeth the Lord plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”
Tom Felten on March 17, 2015 at 10:29 am
Praying for you, nattykins. May God give you his peace, joy, and hope as you proceed with the nursing program. I’m guessing he has given you the spiritual gift of compassion. Use it for His honor and glory!
marino4him on March 17, 2015 at 8:37 am
Yes my dear brothers and sisters we groan for relief, we want out, we want the raging sea to be still, my and your greatest anguish in the midst of the storm is the questions: Where is my Savior? Is He here? Has He abandoned me? I’m I alone in this? And the lie whispered from the Enemy gets believed, his poisonous bite infests our mind and reason is reduced it to doubt our Faith fails, and we now have succumb to the greatest anguish that any suffering can bring… Lies and Doubts: That God can’t help, He isn’t Almighty, and Powerful, and worst yet, that we are alone – I am alone! And then in the quiet part of the boat, that secret place in our soul awakens the Loving master, our Magnificent Savior, our Loving Lord. His Power in a quiet firm WORD is dispensed and ALL Heaven and Earth Submit. The great calm overtakes our Soul, fear is evaporated into HIS warm reassuring Love. And the eye of our Captain meets ours and says gently, lovingly…Why did you doubt, why did you fear? My purpose of the storm was simply to strengthen your Faith in Me THAT I am God! And humbly present the question in the darkness “Do you trust ME! Do you really believe that I Love you so much That I will never leave you nor forsake you! Heb13:5 Take heart my wonderful beloved family in Christ I too have doubted, I too have been fearful, I too thought He did not care if I perished. But I found that after I suffered awhile He proved more than wonderful and faithful! Keep crying out to Him your clouds will breakup and His Sun the Light of His glory will shine in your soul again. But quiet yourself and remember that quiet Loving guest resting your soul WILL AWAKEN and demonstrate His Glory on your behalf. Suffering? Standby for Wonder! Love your brother in Christ!
manuzinha2 on March 17, 2015 at 10:14 am
It’s great to find great resources like this! I’m also sharing with loved ones. At the same time it enlightens me, focusing on people that I care about makes me feel good and not to think only about my problems. I can be a better person. Thank you all! God bless you hearts!
Tom Felten on March 17, 2015 at 11:45 am
manuzinha2, it’s great to have you join us. Your words remind of something Paul wrote: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). So glad you’re sharing God’s comfort with others!
Roxanne Robbins on March 17, 2015 at 1:36 pm
What a poignant reminder, K.T., that regardless of the cause of our suffering (e.g., our own sin), the Lord invites us to bring our pain to Him. Here’s a related article, worth reading, by Scott Sauls, pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville: http://scottsauls.com/2014/06/20/anxiety-depression-strange-friends/
godlove on March 17, 2015 at 1:50 pm
A big “Amen” to these comforting and encouraging words.
Thank you very much for this devotional today. Thanks to you all fellow brothers and sisters for the contributions as well. May God Bless us and help us all.