Printables • Devotionals

When you’re struggling with any loss of independence in your life, turn your heart toward the Lord. Remember that all of us, even people who are not chronically ill, are truly dependent on God for everything -- and abiding in Him is the secret to producing fruit.

The axe head I had dropped, was surrender, death to self, and life in Him. He could teach me how to relax into the work He has for me.

When I feel desperate, I forget that my greatest need is not different circumstances. My greatest need is God himself. He alone can give me peace in the storm, hope in his word.

We can either worry or lean into the Lord's help. For me, I admit my desperate dependence on His strength for the good and bad days.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat. Discover the Lord's compassion and an effective way to counteract pain-related anxiety with breath prayers.

Chronic illnesses can make us feel like dumping our "buckets." How about trying a different kind of bucket list and dreaming again?

What a blessing it has been to hear a ‘ding’ on my phone and know that someone has lifted me in prayer. There have been times when I have been worrying and then received a notification that someone has just prayed.

Movement has become my favorite part of the day. Alone, I can do little, but with God, my time, strength, courage, and prayer, become immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine. Always at the pace of grace.

There is a door that is beautiful to me. It was bought and paid for by my best friend, the One who loves me most. He paid for it with His life so I can use it – and, boy, do I!

It’s a difficult time for humanity. Recent events have made the world desperate for security, looking for hope in all kinds of places when it can only be found in Christ.

The persistent press of chronic pain makes me weary. Resting in God Himself – surrendering my fears and hopes – offers a fresh perspective.

What if your unique hardships/trials enable you to encourage others as they move along in their life?

A life of gratitude does not come from material things or fleeting emotions, but by choosing a faith-filled life trusting in God’s promises. While circumstances can be difficult, the hope of eternity can move us to be grateful here and now, knowing what is to come is greater than anything here on earth.

Every day our culture bombards us with messages of self-empowerment. We are told to take charge of our life, push ourselves to the max, and have a “can do” attitude. Every day your illness may bring many challenges, but you can rest in God’s loving arms, reminding yourself, “God’s got it!” You were never meant to do this alone!

There are times in our lives to mourn and grieve, but it is so important not to lose hope. For those of us who know Jesus, we cling to an everlasting hope. Grief is something we must work through, and it cannot be rushed.

Wherever you are most comfortable, talk or write to God anything that you’re able to express. Be honest and don’t worry about being articulate. God is a reader of the heart. His healing whispers may comfort you as you pray and read His word.

Chronic illness can feel like you’re in a never-ending cycle of medical crises, going from one emergency to the next. It makes us wonder why God allows such things to happen. Chronic illness is painful, but pain can be turned into unexpected beauty.

Taking things for granted happens in many areas of our lives – but intentionally pausing to reflect can reorient us. Recently, I reflected on the phrase “in Jesus’ name.”

I was trying to face my challenges the way I thought God wanted me to, but striving day by day in my failing body made me feel like I was failing at exhibiting external joy to others.

I maintained my regular morning quiet times but sensed a new distance from the Lord. I will seek, wait, and listen still – but speak, Lord.

Hope is a gift from God (and what a precious gift it is!), but the biggest gift of all will be the day when we no longer have a need for it. We will leave hope behind and move forward into eternity to recognize the glorious fulfillment of all our earthly hopes.

Christ understands everything we go through because he lived it first. While it might be difficult to see small pieces of joy during chronic illness, God’s mercies truly are unending.

God prompts us to pray for others in many ways: through a memory or a photo of a loved one, rereading a birthday or Christmas card, or even through a recipe book. As God prompts today, pray and let that person know.

We long to walk side-by-side through life, loving one another so deeply from the heart that we never want to let go. What small thing could you do to remind your spouse that you will not let them go?

After prayerful reflection, I knew the answer was “Yes.” God reminded me that my hope was ultimately in Him, beyond any human wisdom or cure.

I love the word prevail, especially when paired with peace. Knowing I can have an inner calm, even when pain triggers anxiety, settles my soul.

Are you also feeling those anxious mind-racing thoughts that threaten to pull your heart down? Our Lord Jesus has called us to lay the weight down and find His quiet rest.

Lord, we are so glad that we can sing our prayers to You! Often, singing is the only way we can muster up the words and connect with the emotions.

Because of changes due to my illnesses, my offerings to God seem like tiny raindrops, but they are like a crashing waterfall to God.

Trees add a new layer of wood every year. A thicker ring may show that there was a lot of rain and sunlight that year. A thinner ring may mean the tree didn’t get as much water or sun. What if we pictured our lives like tree rings? What would cause thicker or thinner rings?

Exchanging our expectations for God-focused expectancy leads to faith and joy. He is trustworthy for every season, even waiting in winter.

Sometimes, no matter how often we read the Word or pray, the darkness of illness and pain is all we can see. Yet even in our darkest moments, there is hope, for God is with us every step of the way.

It all comes down to this idea of trust. It’s about getting our priorities in order and paying attention to what we view. It’s about remembering who we are and – most importantly – who YOU are.

Chronic Joy® devotionals are an invitation to take one gentle step, to pray in a comforting and familiar or perhaps new-to-you way, or to cry out on behalf of one precious life today … maybe even yours.