Today's guest article, How to Cope With an Incurable Illness While Drawing Closer to God, is written by the owner of the financial help website "Ted Knows Money". Ted James specializes in private, one-on-one coaching and counselling sessions to help people take control of their finances.
Learn more About Ted James.
How to Cope With an Incurable Illness While Drawing Closer to God
Illness is a result of a fallen world, and there is often nothing we can do to avoid it. But that doesn’t change the fact that living with a disease can be excruciating, especially when it’s incurable. It can be challenging to keep your hope alive when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, dementia, or any other incurable disease.
With that said, how you choose to live during your illness will dramatically influence your overall quality of life. Will you respond in the flesh, or will you pursue the Spirit and embrace maturity and growth? Below, Money Solutions Online provides some actionable tips for getting closer to God while coping with an incurable disease.
Take Practical Steps
Let's start with the earthly side of things. You must take care of your body if you hope to stay spiritually, emotionally, and mentally healthy. Evaluate your living environment to ensure it accommodates your needs instead of exacerbating your symptoms.
If you need your home to be more accessible, research potential modifications you can make. And if your current home simply isn't adaptable, it might be time to look at your destination’s housing market and explore the possibility of purchasing a new home. This route requires that your finances are in order and that your debt is reduced as much as possible so that acquiring a mortgage and paying for the move is feasible. As Debt.com notes, discussing finances during this time may not be easy, but it is necessary.
It's also critical to eat a nutritious diet when you have an incurable disease. Harvard Medical School explains that anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, tuna, almonds, leafy greens, berries, and tomatoes can go a long way in helping you feel better and, in some cases, improving your long-term health. Moreover, make sure you’re exercising regularly. Opt for a low-impact movement like walking, swimming, or cycling, and commit to doing it five days a week.
If you struggle to get adequate rest at night, try to find relaxing activities that can help you unwind and fall asleep. Reading the Bible, praying, and listening to acoustic worship music may help you de-stress and get into the right mindset before bed. And look for ways to make your bedroom more restful, such as adding blackout shades and turning the thermostat down.
Take Advantage of Antidepressants Available Online
You’re likely already aware that depression meds can make a massive difference when it comes to coping with periods of stress and anxiety. But when refilling a prescription or visiting a medical professional isn’t doable because of your recent diagnosis, online solutions exist that make the process safe and easy. When you consult with a board-certified doctor online, you can receive antidepressant prescriptions within minutes. What’s more, treatment advice and ongoing mental health support is available, making for a convenient and quick way to address your condition from the comfort of your home.
Spend Time in the Word
If you spend a lot of time reading about your illness, take some of that time to dig into the Word. While it can be beneficial to understand your illness and research potential treatments, your time with God must come first. Read about healing in the Bible and about God's character concerning illness, healing, and suffering. Invite the Spirit to speak to you as you soak in the truth.
Pray Fervently
God knows everything you're going through, and He knows you much more than you know yourself. Talk to Him regularly throughout the day. And dedicate segments of your day to fervent prayer.
If you want to take your prayer life up a notch, consider biblical fasting (as long as it doesn't interfere with your diet or treatments). Look forward to the encouragement and wisdom no one but the Almighty can provide!
Check Your Mindset
There are many earthly things to think about in this life. And that can be especially clear when you’re living with an incurable disease. Every morning when you wake up, remind yourself to set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2).
Think about Heaven and eternity and how they make the temporal suffering in this world all worth it. Spending time reading the Bible and praying in the Spirit will help you maintain a heavenly mindset throughout the day.
Conclusion
There's no getting around that receiving an incurable disease diagnosis is devastating and that it drastically alters your everyday life. But as a believer, you have access to the kingdom of God and a hope that is greater than any afflictions you might face.
Remember to take practical steps for improving your overall health and well-being. And lean into God each day as you grow into the person you were created to be!
Money Solutions Online helps you find success financially and spiritually with faith-based products and services. Reach out today for more information!
Image via Unsplash
