Biblical Answer

The Problem of Evil

615

I 3

On understanding and coping with chronic illness, see Jeffrey Boyd, Being Sick Well (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005); and James Rotholz, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Christianity, and Culture

an instant solution, and very often what comfort it provides may seem inadequate in the moment. But many Christians have found that it does provide comfort, and I hope you might find some comfort in it.

of short beds and narrow blankets (Isaiah 28:20)a sure recipe for long-term discomfort and discontent, with a chance of serious illness thrown in. To such unhappiness, in the spiritual realm, this

put our trust in Christ until we have first despaired of ourselves. As he himself said, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners (Mark

ing it. Look for it. Ask others to point the way. The comfort you are looking for is available, and it can be found in Jesus Christ. Question 1. What is your only comfort in life and in death? Answer: That I belongbody and soul, in life and in

cally healthy but despairing in mind? In his book Humphry writes, If you consider God the master of your fate, read no further. Seek the best pain management available and arrange hospice care.1

of hope. Be on guard against self-pity, grumbling, and complaining. And keep the cross close at hand. If you let depression run its course, you will soon lose your vitality; youll surrender. But with practice,

God in our hearts. As such, if you can speak psalms, God is near. With this in mind, persevere. Dont just speak the prayers so that your depression can lift. Speak them because they are true and

Finding Comfort in Chronic Illness: A Biblical Perspective

Chronic illness can be a source of great discomfort and distress, both physically and emotionally. However, as Christians, we can find comfort in our faith and in the knowledge that God is sovereign over all creation. The Bible teaches us that God is present in our suffering and that He can bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances (Romans 8:28). As we face chronic illness, we can find comfort in the fact that we are not alone, but that God is with us every step of the way.

The Comfort of Christ

The Bible reminds us that it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick (Mark 2:17). This means that we, as Christians, are not immune to illness or suffering. However, it also means that we have access to the greatest physician of all - Jesus Christ. He is the one who came to call sinners, not the righteous (Mark 2:17). This means that we can find comfort in the fact that our sin is forgiven and that we have a Savior who cares for us deeply. We can also find comfort in the fact that Jesus is present in our suffering, and that He can bring hope and peace in the midst of pain and uncertainty.

Practicing Hope and Perseverance

While finding comfort in our faith is essential, it is also important to practice hope and perseverance in the midst of chronic illness. This means being on guard against self-pity, grumbling, and complaining, and instead choosing to speak prayers of hope and trust (Psalm 42:11). It means keeping the cross close at hand and remembering that God is present in our suffering. It means persevering, even when it feels like depression is running its course. With practice, we can learn to speak prayers of hope and trust, even when it feels like the last thing we want to do. And as we do, we can find comfort in the fact that God is near, and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).