This last week, and plus a few days, have been terribly uncomfortable to me. I have been incommunicado for over a week and it has been increasingly difficult to stay on course and stay positive. I am, of course, talking about my bout with the Shingles Virus, on the face no less. UGH. The headaches are unbearable, but God’s Word is replete with encouraging Scriptures and solutions to any problem.

In my pain, I remembered a couple verses in Philippians four that helped me cope with the agony and concentrate on something other than my physical excruciating condition. Philippians is one of my fave books of the Bible for this reason. If ever I needed an encouraging word, it was now.

v4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
v7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
v8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [Philippians 4:4, 7, 8 KJV]

I found Jesus in each word of verse eight: true, honest, just, lovely, good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. I think Jesus was trying to tell me to focus on Him. What do you think? We all know what happened to Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus when stepping out of the boat. I didn’t want to drown in my sea of pain. I would like to say that it was easy, even with Jesus but I can’t. However, with Him, the pain was bearable. Another thing I had to consider was all the pain I was experiencing was nowhere near comparable to Christ endured on the Cross for me. On a scale of 1-10, my pain level was around 12-13. Focusing on Christ, brought that down to about 4-5.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being with me during these times. I don’t know if I could have made it without you. You have made my time bearable. Thank you for your Word and the comfort it gives for any issue. It’s like you wrote some Scriptures just for me to use in my time(s) of need. My salvation is the best decision I have ever made. Thank you, Lord for your redemption by your blood. In your precious name, AMEN.

The grace of Jesus be with you. [Philippians 4:23]