Devotions: The Great Physician at My Bed

On Entry

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

We go to doctors because we need help. Our bodies hurt. In our suffering, Jesus invites us to come to him. He is the Great Physician who holds our lives in his hand. He gives the healing, often through the ability he gives doctors.

There is a greater rest Jesus offers. He lifts from our shoulders the pain of guilt, the burden of our sin. He carried the weight on Calvary. There he healed our souls.

Jesus is the “first aid” for our bodies and our spirits.

Prayer: Jesus, I come to you for rest. Bring my heart relief in your forgiveness and grant healing for my body. Amen.

 

The Healing Process

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us.” (Hosea 6:1)

In order to fix something, you often have to take it apart. Car mechanics do it, doctors too, and it also may be God’s way.

He takes down to rebuild. He wounds to heal. He touches our sore spots to make us stronger. We feel this when the Lord brings us to our knees in repentance and then lifts us up in the joy of his forgiveness.

In the healing process, God calls us to trust and be patient. He knows what he is doing. We know that he loves us. And we can be sure that this too will work together for our good.

Prayer: Dear God, comfort me in my pain with the understanding that your plan for me is to heal, not harm. Amen.

 

Inseparable Love

“Neither death nor life…nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Amazing, isn’t it! Side by side with Jesus we will walk forever. Now we live in the confidence, comfort, and direction of his promises. Because Jesus died on the cross, neither sin nor death will keep us tied to pain and frustration. We are tied to his love. In heaven, we will enjoy it forever.

In a hospital room, there is a lot we miss: family and friends, going to church, our daily routine and work. There is one thing these walls cannot cut off — the love of our Savior.

Prayer: Lord, I am not in this alone. I am in this together with you! Amen.

 

Hospital Lights

“Let your light shine before men.” (Matthew 5:16)

Jesus encourages us to be lights for him. The dark world, including hospitals, needs it. And we as his redeemed and enlightened children have much to offer.

Our family may need the reassurance of our trust in God. Other patients may long to know that there are hope and friendship available. The hospital staff too will appreciate a patient who is at peace and who is understanding.

Perhaps a faith that shines, even though confined to bed, is God’s purpose for us here. Let your light shine!

Prayer: Dear Savior, may your love and grace to me shine through to others. Amen.

 

Facing Uncertainty

“He alone is my Rock and my Salvation: he is my Fortress. I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2)

Many things can cause our legs to wobble: the worry about lab tests or coming surgery, the pain during rehabilitation or just plain weakness.

God gives us something to grab on to — himself, the Rock. In his forgiveness, we have a certain future and promises that will never be broken. No bad news or infirmity can change this strength we have in our Lord.

Our knees may shake, but our Rock holds us solid.

Prayer: Lord, I cling to you, my Rock and my Redeemer. Hold me firm in the midst of the uncertainties I face. Amen.

 

After Successful Treatment or Surgery

“How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation.” (Psalm 116:12-13)

How can we send a thank-you to God? There is nothing we can give except what is already his. But we can show our gratitude in praising him for saving us body and soul, and in trusting him more.

Through experiences such as these our Lord draws us closer to himself. His presence, promises, and peace shine more clearly. He puts more spirit in our hymns and more joy in our serving. Every new morning his goodness leads us to ask, ” And now, Lord, what can I do for you?”

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your healing hand. Help my hands, my heart, and my mouth praise your name. Amen.

 

On Release

“Open for me the gates of righteousness: I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.” (Psalm 118:19)

Going home…It’s a great feeling! The door swings open and the familiar sights, smells, and faces delight us. We thank God for times like these because he is the one who makes it possible.

His great power and love have opened another door for us, the gate to heaven. With all of our sins piled against it, we couldn’t budge it. But Jesus has swept them all away. The door is wide open. One day we will enter heaven and be home for good, thanks to our Lord!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for making my release possible. Brighten my way with Your sure promise of heaven’s open door. Amen.

 

The Road Back

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)

Do we have what it takes to make it? There are reasons for wondering. Our bodies are fragile. Our spirits can also become weak.

But there is a source of endless strength within our reach. It is not in us or in any other human. It is our Lord, who never tires in supporting us, whose love for us never weakens. With Jesus as our hope, we do have what it takes to make it.

Make it to where? Our hope is in God’s direction for us as well as in his promise to bring us safely there.

Prayer: Almighty Lord, help us to trust you for health and for heaven. Amen.

 

On Entry

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)

We weaken and become ill, or some serious problem in the body sends us to a hospital for treatment. God uses doctors to help relieve our condition. We trust his help through them.

There is another sickness far more serious, and we all are suffering from it. It is our sin and guilt measured by a holy God.

As we trust our doctors, so do we much more trust the great physician Jesus who has overcome the power of sin by living and dying for us.

Prayer: God heal our body and cleanse our soul through Jesus, the world’s Savior. Amen.

 

Mornings

“God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts his voice, the earth melts.” (Psalm 46:5,6)

A new day! What will it bring by way of healing: No one can foresee or guarantee what may come to us, bad or good.

Yet God knows. And he promises only the best for his children. As each day dawns he is there with his almighty power and gracious love.

The earth may spin about us, disaster may threaten, but God’s voice will continue to control all things. He is MY God!

Prayer: Ruler of heaven and earth, keep me in your loving care today. Bless all who help me. Amen.

 

Evenings

“When evening comes, there will be light.” (Zechariah 14:7)

Many of us fear the dark hours. They seem so long and tiring when pain may awaken us or scary thoughts alarm us. We make sure that the call bell is close by to call for help when we panic.

Then we remember that our Lord is not subject to darkness and helplessness. He himself is THE Light, OUR Light. In darkness and fear, there is a comfort when he attends us.

Prayer: O Light of my life, fill the hours of darkness with your presence. Let me sleep peacefully and securely as you watch over my bed. Amen.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

We do not know, and so we fear what the reports from our examinations may be. Possibly they might indicate a serious condition. Then again, they might be routine and predictable. Until we know, we tend to fear.

But the Lord tells us that he is our light. He knows and directs the way that is safe and best for us. And we follow his way because we are sure that he is our total salvation. Down every road, he leads us to our eternal home through his blessed Son, our redeemer. In every way, through every circumstance, his almighty power predominates. He is our strength!

Prayer: Lord of life, I have nothing to fear. I am your child. You are my God. Amen.

 

Before Surgery

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philemon 4:5-7)

Will it hurt? Will it help? Is the risk great? Will I survive? Such questions bring anxious moments for us and for our loved ones before surgery.

The GREAT PHYSICIAN steps in and assures: “Don’t be anxious. Bring all your requests to me. I can, I will meet every need. I am rich in grace toward you through my Son Jesus, who made you mine.”

Prayer: Father of grace, give me the courage to trust your mighty promises. Amen.

 

After Successful Surgery

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

The doctor says my surgery was a success. That gives me hope and makes me happy and grateful.

My real rest and peace, though, comes in knowing that I am in God’s hands always. As I look to him in faith he guides me in all my ways and uses every way to lead me to my eternal home.

What more do I need for peaceful rest and sleep?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for my progress in healing. Strengthen me in that peace which passes understanding. Amen.

 

Continued Blessings

“Jesus has freed those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:15)

Every bout with sickness is a scary reminder of our final enemy, death. By nature, we fear death because we fear God’s righteous judgment of all sinners. Our guilt threatens us.

Only through Jesus, who has conquered death and forgiven our sins, are we freed from the fear of death. Through him, we are confident that all is well between us and God during this life and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord, I believe. Help me to become strong in faith, conquering my unbelief. Amen.

 

Assurance

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life;… The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” (Psalm 138:7-8)

This present experience is but one of many troubles brought into life by sin. How empty and bitter life would be without knowing a gracious god, his Son as our Savior, and his Holy Spirit as our Comforter!

He has a purpose for our life, a glorious purpose – to lead us to paradise regained. He does not abandon us, the crown of his creation. May we not close the door to him.

Prayer: O God, keep your frail and trembling sheep from temptation, danger, and destruction. Amen.

 

The Great Physician at My Bed (Set #2 of 2 Sets)

On Entry

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)

We weaken and become ill, or some serious problem in the body sends us to a hospital for treatment. God uses doctors to help relieve our condition. We trust his help through them.

There is another sickness far more serious, and we all are suffering from it. It is our sin and guilt measured by a holy God.

As we trust our doctors, so do we much more trust the Great Physician Jesus who has overcome the power of sin by living and dying for us.

Prayer: God heal our body and cleanse our soul through Jesus, the world’s Savior. Amen.

 

Mornings

“God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts his voice, the earth melts.” (Psalm 46:5&6)

A new day! What will it bring by way of healing: No one can foresee or guarantee what may come to us, bad or good.

Yet God knows. And he promises only the best for his children. As each day dawns he is there with his almighty power and gracious love.

The earth may spin about us, disaster may threaten, but god’s voice will continue to control all things. He is MY God!

Prayer: Ruler of heaven and earth, keep me in your loving care today. Bless all who help me. Amen.

 

Evenings

“When evening comes, there will be light.” (Zechariah 14:7)

Many of us fear the dark hours. They seem so long and tiring when pain may awaken us or scary thoughts alarm us. We make sure that the call bell is close by to call for help when we panic.

Then we remember that our Lord is not subject to darkness and helplessness. He himself is THE Light, OUR Light. In darkness and fear, there is a comfort when he attends us.

Prayer: O Light of my life, fill the hours of darkness with your presence. Let me sleep peacefully and securely as you watch over my bed. Amen.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

We do not know, and so we fear what the reports from our examinations may be. Possibly they might indicate a serious condition. Then again, they might be routine and predictable. Until we know, we tend to fear.

But the Lord tells us that he is our Light. He knows and directs the way that is safe and best for us. And we follow his way because we are sure that he is our total salvation. Down every road, he leads us to our eternal home through his blessed Son, our redeemer. In every way, through every circumstance, his almighty power predominates. He is our strength!

Prayer: Lord of life, I have nothing to fear. I am your child. You are my God. Amen.

 

Before Surgery

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philemon 4:5-7)

Will it hurt? Will it help? Is the risk great? Will I survive? Such questions bring anxious moments for us and for our loved ones before surgery.

The GREAT PHYSICIAN steps in and assures: “Don’t be anxious. Bring all your requests to Me. I can, I will meet every need. I am rich in grace toward you through My Son Jesus, who made you mine.”

Prayer: Father of grace, give me the courage to trust your mighty promises. Amen.

 

After Successful Surgery

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

The doctor says my surgery was a success. That gives me hope and makes me happy and grateful.

My real rest and peace, though, comes in knowing that I am in god’s hands always. As I look to him in faith he guides me in all my ways and uses every way to lead me to my eternal home.

What more do I need for peaceful rest and sleep?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for my progress in healing. Strengthen me in that peace which passes understanding. Amen.

 

Continued Blessings

“Jesus has freed those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:15)

Every bout with sickness is a scary reminder of our final enemy, death. By nature, we fear death because we fear God’s righteous judgment of all sinners. Our guilt threatens us.

Only through Jesus, who has conquered death and forgiven our sins, are we freed from the fear of death. Through him, we are confident that all is well between us and God during this life and in the life to come.

Prayer: Lord, I believe. Help me to become strong in faith, conquering my unbelief. Amen.

 

Assurance

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;…The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.” (Psalm 138:7-8)

This present experience is but one of many troubles brought into life by sin. How empty and bitter life would be without knowing a gracious god, his Son as our Savior, and his Holy Spirit as our Comforter!

He has a purpose for our life, a glorious purpose – to lead us to paradise regained. He does not abandon us, the crown of his creation. May we not close the door to him.

Prayer: O God, keep your frail and trembling sheep from temptation, danger, and destruction. Amen.

[SOURCE: Institutional Ministries Committee – WELS Special Ministries]