Theme: MANAGING CHRONIC ILLNESSES
Text: “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.” – Psalm 116:3-5.
Comment: In this life, we face several dangers which put us in fear and stress at the instance of the devil. How to remain calm and resolute in the face of life-threatening situations is a continuing challenge for the Christian. We need to believe in God and His word especially when we sense we are near our breaking point. Our Lord is indeed merciful. When confronted with afflictions, the first thing to do is to do a thorough self-examination. If there are areas we have failed or are falling short in the way of God, we should make amends immediately so as to get the favour of God. (Proverbs 28:13,14) We should follow this sound advice from Apostle Peter to wit: “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (1 Peter 4:19) What we could blame ourselves for is if we indulge in sin, but not for suffering for doing righteousness. (1 Peter 4:14-16) Jesus Christ declared: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” – John 10:27-29.