Since the time in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God there has been sickness on earth. Sometimes we suffer from a common cold virus or maybe we are sick with a more serious disease. Regardless of the type of sickness; there are many Bible verses for the sick. Here are just 20 comforting scriptures that I hope brighten your day or the day of a loved one who is sick.
Table of contents
God Promised and Healed Before; He can do it Again
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 7:15 And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you knew, will he inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you.
Exodus 23:25 You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.
Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Psalms 105:37 (KJV) He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
Psalms 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast:‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’
New Testament
Matthew 12:15 Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all
Matthew 14:14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Acts 10:37-38 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
God is the One who Heals
We must remember that when we pray for the sick we are offering intercessory prayer to God. However, God is still the Master Healer and the Great Physician and He will or will not heal those whom He will or will not heal. Listen the the song below as you continue to read the rest of the verses here, you will be blessed by Don Moen as he sings “Heal me O Lord”.
Sometimes God Brings us Down to Get our Attention
Jonah 1:17; 2:1; 2:10 17Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights… 2:1Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly… 2:10And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
John 11:41-45 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” 45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,
Acts 9:1-9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
2 Corinthians 1:8-11 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
Sometimes He Heals the Sick through the Gifts and Prayers of Others
Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Mark 16:15 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Acts 28:8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
James 5:15-16 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Resources:
The Holy Bible, King James Version
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version
“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
YouTube video: “Heal me O Lord” by Don Moen
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Jesus said “… Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 cf. Mark 10:14, 18:16) Children must have been pretty important for Jesus to be quoted in three out of the four gospels. Indeed they are important and to be entrusted with children on this planet is one of the greatest honors that God gives to parents. We love them, we teach them, we discipline them and sometimes we must also witness their illness. That is when we pray the most for the children. Perhaps you need some prayers or Scriptures for a sick child. Take a look at these.
Prayers for a Sick Child
A Minor Illness
“Dear Heavenly Father, I entrust this dear child toYou as he/she suffers from what seems to be a (sickness name). Lord, I know (child’s name) is uncomfortable as he/she tries to rest. I also know that rest is so important to get beyond this minor sickness and to avoid progression to something more serious. Please give him/her the rest that they need. Lord, I lift (child’s name) up to You and know that You will perform Your perfect will for his/her recovery. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen”
A Chronic Illness
“Dear God, I pray for (child’s name) as he/she deals with this (specific illness) so often. I know You are the Master Healer and that You also provide times that are symptom free for this dear little one. Please comfort and protect this dear child during this hard time. Help them to know that they can come to You for the peace and health that only You can provide. Please be with the doctors as they continually study to find medicines and treatments that will comfort those that suffer from chronic illnesses. I leave this in Your precious hands oh God my Father. Amen”
A Severe or Death Threatening Illness
“Lord I come to You today to present (child’s name) to You. This very deadly sickness that is upon him/her is very sad to all who know and love him/her. I know that in times like this his/her Mommy and Daddy are in despair. Please keep them strong in You so that they can be a comfort to this dear little child. Please keep (child’s name) from being scared of what is happening all around him/her. I ask Your mercy so that pain would be minimal or nonexistence. I love this small and fragile little child. Bestow Your grace and peace to them and all who love them. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.”
Healing and Encouraging Scriptures
God is Still on the Throne
… sometimes we must also witness their illness. That is when we pray the most for the children.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. (Psalms 73:23-26)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalms 103:2-5)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)
Meditate Upon What You Know as Truth
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:20-22)
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. (Isaiah 59:21)
Even in the Valley
Be Joyful:
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Praise Him:
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14)
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
God has a Plan
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)
Even in the darkest of days our God is an awesome God and He will continue to bless us. Our life circumstances teach us and prepare us for times to come. I am reminded of this great passage, full of hope, from Paul:
Romans 5:3-5 “… but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Have you read this related prayer article?
10 Prayers for Help in Times of Need
Resources – The Holy Bible, King James Version, YouTube “Our God is an Awesome God” performed by Michael W. Smith, Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos. net
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“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
Hosea 4:6 ESV
““For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.””
Malachi 2:16 ESV
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Matthew 25:34 ESV
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”
John 1:12 ESV
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 ESV
“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.”
Romans 3:20 ESV
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 ESV
“Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love”
Ephesians 1:4 ESV
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. …”
John 3:1-30 ESV
“So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it;”
Deuteronomy 29:22 KJV
www.topbibleverses.com
The Bible is full of compassionate verses for those who are sick and hurting. Here are only 5. What ones would you add?
James 5:13-16 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James was not telling believers who are sick that they should request prayer, he was commanding them to because this verse “Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him” is in the imperative form of the Greek. Believers are sometimes too proud to even make known their prayer requests but this is a biblical model for requesting prayer from the church elders, which could be a pastor, deacon, or an elder. If a believer is sick, then they are told to “call for the elders of the church” which is another indicator that the Christian life is not a life to be done as a solo act. James also notes that some sickness might be due to “committed sins” and that they should “confess sins to one another and pray for one another that may be healed.” This is not saying that all sickness is due to sin or unconfessed sin but there could be some cases where this is true.
Psalm 103:13-14 “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”
This is one of my favorite psalms in all the Bible. This verse reflects God’s great compassion on His children and “remembers that we are dust.” Our frame is not built for the long haul and “so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” The word compassion is an interesting word as the Hebrew word “racham” means “to love deeply, to have mercy, to have tender affection” for. The English word compassion is a compound word with root Latin “com” meaning “with” and passion derived from “passus” meaning “to suffer with.” Who knows more about being “with suffering” than Jesus Christ? The answer is no one (Isaiah 53)! The person who has been through suffering like we are is one who can truly sympathize and completely understand what we are going through. Surely God does for even the Father saw all the afflictions and sufferings that His Son, Jesus Christ went through at Calvary.
Psalm 41:3 “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.”
Who can sustain us or help us to endure in our sickbed? It is God. What is the worst thing that could happen to a Christian? They could get sick and die! But how bad is that because when we depart from this body we are immediately in the presence of the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). Now tell me, how can that be bad? The psalmist, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us that in our sickness the Lord will restore us “to full health” and even if it’s not in this life. We all get sick but when we do, we should live with the end in mind and the end of this life is just a comma to what amazing joy we have set before us (Rom 8:18; Rev 22, 23).
John 16:20-22 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.”
Someday soon Jesus Christ will return for His beloved bride the church and the Bridegroom will be married to the church and be joined with Him in eternal bliss. At that time “He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:3b-4). Imagine the tender loving picture of a mother wiping away a tear of their own beloved child. The difference there is that the child will have another tear to wipe away and then another and another but when God wipes away every tear, they stay gone forever. That is because there will be no more “mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” That is why Jesus said that the disciples sorrow for His leaving “will turn to joy” and unspeakable joy at that! Can you even imagine? I cannot. Jesus promised them “I will see you again” and for us, “we will see Him as He is” and for the very first time (1 John 3:2) and not only that, “we shall be like Him!” That is just too wonderful to even imagine.
Psalm 30:2-3, 5 “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol (the grave). Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
When the psalmist says that he “cried” out to God for help, the word for cried is from the Hebrew word “shava” which means “to cry out loud, to shout” like Jesus did on the cross (Mat 27:50). This is no small weeping or a whimper but a loud and voluminous crying out to God. Have you ever done this? I have. God promises to bring us up out of the grave (Sheol) someday if He doesn’t come before we die. We may weep and this may last all night long (tarry) but joy will come in the morning and especially when the Son of God comes for us. There is comfort even in the use of the word “tarry” because the Hebrew word “luwn” tells us that it is only a “stop over” and will “pass the night” and lodge only for a while.
Conclusion
The Bible is powerful and comforts the afflicted and is a present help in our time of need (Psalm 46:1). Use it. That is why God provided His Word for us. It is there to comfort the afflicted, reassure the sick, and encourage us in the night, even if it’s the dark night of the soul. There will be joy in the morning and our sorrow will turn to indescribable joy someday. For those who are not born again, this is their best life now and it will only get worse. For the children of God, this is the worst it will ever be and it will only get better. Decide today which future you want (Rom 10:9-13).
Another Reading on Patheos to Check Out: What Did Jesus Really Look Like: A Look at the Bible Facts
Article by Jack Wellman
Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren church in Mulvane Kansas. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Blind Chance or Intelligent Design available on Amazon
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