May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During May there are also awareness days for chronic illnesses like Celiacs, Lupus, Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia and Asthma. Out of those five, I live with three-Celiacs, Fibromyalgia, and Asthma. I also live with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. It is fitting to have awareness days for chronic illnesses during Mental Health Awareness Month because living with chronic illness can certainly affect mental health.
What keeps me going is summed up in one word, one name- Jesus.
I do have days that fatigue hits and hits hard. That is usually towards the end of the week on a Friday evening or a Saturday. There are some Saturdays that I spend most of the day lying down and watching movies and end up ordering delivery food because I don’t have the energy to cook.
I do have pain all of the time it is a matter of how much. I have lived with chronic pain for thirty years. Sometimes pain wakes me up at night and I do some stretching.
But with all of that, I still teach my classes, have my weekend ministry groups, spend time with refugees/immigrants, blog, and have divine appointments in the coffee shop all because of Jesus who gives me strength. Jesus gives me hope, eternal hope, knowing that this life is temporary and that eternity with him will be pain and fatigue free. 🙂
Doctors can help. Nurses are wonderful. But I do not derive hope from them. My hope comes from Jesus. I love what Romans 15:13 says:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Love that God is described as the God of hope. It is eternally solid hope that we have in God because that hope depends on God through Jesus. Nothing can take that hope away from us because Jesus has all power.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
You’re faith and positive outlook are both inspiring and contagious, Matt. More power (God’s power) to you!
Thank you David. I have to admit I do not always have that atttitude
May Jesus look at you with pity and touch every ailing part of your body and make you well. I admire your faith in God and your perseverance. May God bless you always.
Thank you little sister 🙂
How are your travels?
Welcome 🙂 Everything is great, the moment thanks for asking
God bless you for pushing through. You do so much that is a blessing to others, even when you are in pain. And thank you for inspiring us with your faith and hope.
Thank you little sister. Not always easy but have to go with it
Matt, may God richly bless you and take all the pain.
Isaiah 53:4-5 NIV Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome!
My hope comes from Jesus. Amen.
He also gives me comfort and peace. I am saying prayers for you; for healing and pain control. 🙏🌺
Amen- hope comes from Jesus 🙂
What a blessing to read this. I also have asthma. With the current weather hitting us in the Philippines like daily heat waves, I constantly need my inhaler at my sides. Indeed, Jesus is our hope. He gives us strength.
It is just amazing that with all of the pain you feel and the chronic sickness you have, you are still able to serve God in many ways. Truly, His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
I always have my inhaler with me too. How are you feeling today?
There is HOPE in Him, no matter our circumstances.
Amen!!!
Love that “gotta push” attitude!
Thank you 🙂
How are you?
I’m struggling a little these days if I’m honest. But I’m talking to God and trusting Him. Thanks for checking on me. 😊
Prayed for you
🙏🙏
Amen! Matt, your walk in Christ energizes others like myself. Blessings for sharing this testament. Our Lord strengthens us daily, nourishes our faith, and refuels our hope.
I can’t imagine life without Jesus
Wow 3. Amen “Jesus”, keeping you in prayers
Thank you for praying 🙂
Love your focus and hope in Jesus even when, at times, you’re in the midst of physical ailments.
Thank you little sister. Are you ready for summer with kids at home?
Yes we’re enjoying it already!!😉