You are laid low by this sinus infection, and the misery of it presses heavily upon you. It is your affliction, and you feel its keen sting. Yet I would bid you remember that the believer has a peculiar comfort in every affliction. As David declared, “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your Word has quickened me.” The worldling may seek solace in diversions or fleeting remedies, but for you, the child of God, there is a better cordial. The Spirit employs the Scriptures to quicken your soul, even when the body is weak. Take down your Bible, read it prayerfully, and expect that the Comforter will minister life to your spirit, though your head throbs and your frame aches.
Consider also that this affliction is light by comparison. The Apostle Paul, no stranger to suffering, called his manifold trials a “light affliction” when set beside the eternal weight of glory. Your current misery is but for a moment; it will pass as waters that flow away. Soon, by God’s grace, you will remember the pain only as a thing gone by. Time, that gentle healer under providence, will steal away the sharpness. More than that, affliction sanctified becomes sweet in its inner core. The gardener’s knife is rough, but the Vinedresser wields it for your fruitfulness. Your heavenly Father sees your affliction, and He may be using it to prune you, to drive you to His Word, and to make you more like Jesus.
Look to Christ Jesus, in whom majesty and misery met. When He was mocked and beaten, no wrath marred His holy patience. If your head aches, remember the crown of thorns. If you feel miserable, think of Him who had not where to lay His head. His love labored for you under far greater sorrow, and He is touched with the feeling of your infirmities. This very trial, borne with quiet trust, may become a testimony that comforts another. A patient, calm resignation in the home speaks louder than many a sermon.
Do not sink into despondency, as if you would perish in your affliction. Had it not been for God’s Law as your delight, you might faint; but His precepts and promises are your stay. Cast yourself upon Him, and say with David, “It may be that the Lord will look upon my affliction.” He sees, He pities, He will repay with good. Comfort alone is not enough, so couple it with constancy. Seek grace to be established in every good word and work, even while your body is weak. The God of all comfort shall both soothe your heart and steady your steps.
Soon you shall forget this misery, remembering it only as waters that passed away. Until that hour, let the Word of God be your solace, and may the Spirit quicken you afresh. The eternal glory which awaits you shall make all present pain seem lighter than a feather. Press on, dear sister in the Lord, with peaceful confidence through this temporary flood.