When you’re home sick, you rest your body and treat it with care. But what about your spirit? Here, I share some encouraging Scriptures to lift your spirit, plus some fun fiction novels you can read while you’re on the mend.
{ This post and the photos within it contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking an affiliate link, my ministry gets a small commission, with no extra cost to you. See my full disclosures HERE. }
So, last week my parents and I went on vacation, to Georgia. We saw many wonderful sights in big city Atlanta, and picturesque Savannah.
And then, it happened. Two days before we were due to come home, I felt a little tickle in my throat. At first, I thought maybe it was just heartburn from all the indulgent foods I’d been eating. But then, I woke up on our last full day in Savannah with a full-blown sore throat. Oh NO! A cold? Really? On vacation? But yes, that’s exactly what it was.
By the time we flew home this past Saturday, I was blowing through kleenex like nobody’s business. But I figured, I didn’t have any nasal congestion, so I was good to fly, right? Um, no. Now I know why I’ve heard all my life that flying with a cold is miserable. My left ear was apparently congested, and in quite a bit of pain and discomfort as we made our final descent. It wasn’t until hours later, when I used some nasal decongestant spray, that my ear got any relief. It turns out they’re quite interconnected, so the nasal spray worked for both my nose and ears. If only I had known to buy some before the flight and use it ahead of time! Word to the wise, in case you’re ever stuck flying with a cold. 😉
The timing was good though, in that the worst of the cold didn’t hit until the day after we got home. I’m doing much better now, but still not over it yet.
Bible Verses for When You’re Sick
In this season of colds and flu, I know I can’t be the only one suffering! Which is why, I decided to make this week’s post all about encouragement for when you’re sick. Whether you’re dealing with a long-term illness, fighting cancer, or just battling a head cold, you need to keep up your spirits!
The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
Proverbs 18:14 (NIV)
When I searched for Scriptures related to sickness, this Proverb was the first thing I found. And I think that pretty much sums it up: Our bodies can endure sickness, but if our spirit is downtrodden, who can keep going?
The wonderful thing is, we don’t need to rely on our own feeble strength…we can call on the Lord to carry us through. Witness, two of my favorite Bible passages…
“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)
These Scriptures remind me to depend on God for strength…and not just when I’m sick, but every day! When I’m tired and falling short (which is, like, nearly all the time), it’s so good to remember that His grace is enough for me. And His grace is more than sufficient for you too!
For even more comfort and encouragement when you’re sick, read Psalms 6, 30, 46, and 103. You may also want to read the book of Job, and/or King Hezekiah’s story of healing in Isaiah 38.
Books to Read When You’re Sick
Sometimes, during an illness, it’s not only a matter of keeping up your spirit, but also chasing away boredom. If you’re too weak to do normal tasks, there’s nothing like a great work of fiction to escape into for a while. Who could forget the iconic scenes in The Princess Bride, when a grandfather reads a captivating story to his grandson who’s sick in bed?
With that in mind, here are some epic fiction reads, for those sick days (or rainy days, or whenever…)
The Chronicles of Narnia :: Are you like me, and you’ve never read the famed series by Christian author C.S. Lewis? I’ve just ordered the whole seven-book boxed set, and I’m about to start reading the first book. 🤗 For most of my life, I’ve heard about these books…and in recent years, I’ve learned much more about C.S. Lewis and his life and faith. The Chronicles of Narnia isn’t overtly Christian, but it does contain themes of redemption and resurrection which (I’ve heard) closely mirror the way God sent Jesus to redeem us from our sins. Can’t wait to finally read it!
The Selection :: This five-book series by Kiera Cass, is my all-time favorite romance. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned it here on the blog, and it probably won’t be the last. It has a good clean love story, adorable characters, royalty, drama, rags to riches, and did I mention the sweet love story? This series holds such a dear place in my heart, simply because the characters blossom right before my eyes, and the deep friendships and romances that take shape are so beautiful to behold.
Incarnate :: This trilogy was actually written by one of my high school classmates, Jodi Meadows. I read the first book, because I know the author, and the story sounded interesting. But I continued on with Asunder (second book), and Infinite (third book), because it’s such a captivating story! It’s full of wild adventures, in a world where people are perpetually reincarnated. That is, until one girl is born who is a “new soul”—and no one knows where she came from, or what happened to the “old soul” she replaced. There are so many twists and turns, and I never could’ve fathomed how it would end. (How’s that for a teaser? 😉 )
***NOTE: If you’re looking for something to read to your kids when they’re sick, I think the Narnia books would be best for any age, boy or girl. The Selection would be most enjoyed by girls age 10 and up, but the Incarnate books are pretty complex and perhaps better suited for ages 14+.
What’s your favorite thing to read or do when you’re not feeling well? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Hi! Thank you so much for visiting Divine Creative Love. I’m a Jesus-lovin’ girl, lettering artist, designer, and general creative-at-heart. And, I have narcolepsy. I blog about faith in God, overcoming challenges, and creative topics such as Bible journaling. If you’re new here, be sure and subscribe to my list so you won’t miss anything!
Thank you
Renee
You’re welcome ❤️