SOAP Devotional Acts 27:33-38 – How do you help yourself heal? – Free online Bible study – Commentary in easy English – Day 697

Just before dawn, Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board. When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. (Acts 27:33-38)

There’s so much work to be done at our new river home and I’m behind on writing my blog and self-editing my novel, but like President Biden, I had a relapse of COVID and accomplished little. I’ve had both immunizations and a booster, so I didn’t deserve to be coughing all night—again. Most people I know have had health issues lately—if not COVID, something else. We all know it’s easy to fall into physical and spiritual despair like the men in Paul’s ship.

Paul reminds us of Jesus’ words: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

God created us and loves us so much, that he thinks every hair on our head is special. When we’re sick, we need to join God in realizing our value and caring for ourselves and not worry about work that needs to be done. Most of our loved ones can care for themselves. If you have small children, accept the help offered to care for them.

When you have health issues, do only what is needed to survive and regain your physical and spiritual health. Eat, pray, love, delight in God’s word, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and encourage others as Paul did. Work can wait.

Father God, thank you for caring about every hair on my head. I praise you for giving me Scripture to encourage me. Help me relax and regain my strength and not forget to encourage others. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.