How to Find Comfort in a Terminal Illness

The Importance of Trusting in Christ

In the midst of a terminal illness, it can be challenging to find comfort and peace. However, as the Bible teaches, we must put our trust in Christ, even when we feel hopeless. As Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick" (Mark 2:17). This means that we must look to Christ, who is the only one who can heal our spiritual sickness. In order to trust in Christ, we must first acknowledge our own spiritual condition and admit that we need a Savior. This is a difficult and humbling experience, but it is essential for finding comfort and peace in the midst of a terminal illness.

The Power of Prayer and Scripture

When we are struggling with a terminal illness, it can be helpful to turn to the Psalms, which provide many examples of how Israelites prayed when they were sick (cf. Pss 6; 13; 38; 41). In these prayers, the sufferers are achingly honest about their pain and despair, yet they still express hope and trust in God. We can learn from their example and pray similarly, acknowledging our pain and despair, yet still trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty. Psalm 130 is a particularly helpful psalm in this regard, as it reminds us that God has moved toward us and taken the initiative to forgive our sins. By speaking these prayers and scripture, we can keep Christ close and find comfort in His presence.

Finding Comfort in the Cross

Finally, it is essential to keep the cross close at hand when facing a terminal illness. The cross reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ made for us, and the hope that we have in Him. As the apostle Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). This means that even in the midst of a terminal illness, we can find comfort and hope in the knowledge that we will soon be with Christ. By focusing on the cross and the hope that it offers, we can find peace and comfort in the midst of suffering. Ultimately, the cross reminds us that our struggles and sufferings are not the end of the story, but rather a temporary and fleeting experience that will soon give way to eternal glory and joy.