When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer or any other serious illness, you might feel a sense of hopelessness or a loss of control. You may find yourself feeling anxious, uneasy, or even angry that this could happen to somebody so close to you. The most important thing you can do at this time is to stay grounded. Your family, especially your loved one suffering from an illness, needs you and your support. Find what it takes to keep yourself feeling rational and stabilized. For many people, this stabilizing force is The Bible.
The Bible has been a guiding force for people for thousands of years. The oldest copy of the Tanakh, the canonical text of the Hebrew Bible, dates to the 10th century BCE. The oldest surviving copy of the Latin Vulgate Bible, the version that became the Catholic Church’s official Bible in the 16th century, dates to the 8th century AD and is known as the Codex Amiatinus.
It is the inspiring text within The Bible that guides those suffering through illness and loss. The books and passages contained within The Bible address everything from dietary guidelines for early Hebrew communities to multiple versions of Jesus Christ’s biography. Certain specific passages tell of God’s strength and act as a reassuring force during difficult times.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. This line tells of God’s ability to give suffering individuals the strength to carry on with the hardships they face. As you act as a caregiver to your loved one, know that you are not alone. When you feel worn out and weak, consider turning to God for comfort.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. This line further reinforces the message conveyed by Isaiah 40:29. God is on your side, no matter how challenging the task before you appears to be. By drawing a sense of inner strength from The Bible, your stamina to care and provide for others will be renewed.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16.Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This passage urges us to continue pressing forward in our efforts toward what He has planned for us, focusing on God’s ability to heal and renew us as we work through the challenges in our lives.
Consider joining a prayer group or Bible study at your church to connect with others through The Bible. Your religious leader can also be a source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration as you work through this difficult time. Reach out to others in your family or your community to discuss specific Bible verses and passages. You might discover a new interpretation of a specific verse and gain valuable insight to its meaning.
