Mitigating Existential & Spiritual Distress: Part VI Scriptures

Spiritual Direction in the Journey of Illness* Series

 Suggested Scriptures in the Journey of an Illness

For The Person as Patient

·            “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9 

·           “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

·           "Even now I find my joy in the suffering I am door for you in my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the suffering of Christ for the sake of his body the church.” Colossians 1:24

·           “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Rom 8:28

·       When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.  Ps 34:17-20

·       The Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me…” Ps 41:2-4

·       For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord …Jer 30:17-24

·       The Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me…” Ps 41:2-4

·       The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Ps 34:7

·       This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matt 8:17

·       You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Ps 73:24-27

·       In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!  Ps 31:1-2

For the Person as Caregiver

·    “...I was ill and you comforted me…” Matt 25:36b

·    Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2

·    And God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Ph 4:19

·    May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace! Ps 29:11

·    And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive....  Matt 21:22

·    (K)eep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because she/he trusts in You. Is 26:3

By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 

Part I: Introduction & Definitions

Part II Signs & Symptoms

Part III Listening & Assessment

Part IV The Narrative

Part V Human Development

Part VI Offering Scriptures

MORE TO COME REGARDING THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR'S ROLE IN THE CARE OF THE SICK

*This 6-Part Series is for spiritual directors who accompany individuals facing life-altering illnesses, as well as those who serve as caregivers. It draws from presentations I have given to spiritual direction interns, nursing students, nurses, and parishioners involved in ministry to the sick and homebound. The content is shaped by my background in family practice as a chiropractic physician, my years of service as an on-call chaplain at Yale New Haven Health, and my work as a patient advocate and spiritual director accompanying individuals through illness and suffering, and years of collecting notes from various sources. I take no personal credit for the work as original.