Ashton Oxenden

There are many books which may be read with profit in the days of sickness. But there is one Book better than them all. I mean God’s own Book, the Bible. Other books are from men: this is from God. And “who teaches like Him?”

Many a sick person wishes to read his Bible, but is a little perplexed, and scarcely knows when or where to begin. It may be said, Is not the Bible all profitable? Yes; but there are some parts of it more especially suitable to you in your present state.

I will take it for granted that you wish to profit by your illness; that God’s Word is precious to you; and that you desire to make it your companion in your sick-room.

Do not fall into the mistake of thinking it necessary to read a large portion of Scripture at a time. A little, read thoughtfully, and with earnest prayer for God’s teaching, will be far more likely to feed and refresh your soul.

Sometimes, when you are able, it will be well to take a verse or two of Scripture, and turn it into prayer. This you will find very profitable to your soul; and it will help you greatly in raising your heart heavenward. For this purpose either the Psalms or the Epistles will be very suitable.

I well know however that a sick person often feels very weary, and scarcely able to read at all. At such times the effort of thinking is too great for the mind of one who is weakened by illness. If such is the case with you, my dear Friend, be not cast down. Your Father in Heaven is fully aware of your infirmity. He knows our frame, and remembers that we are but dust. He will accept a few broken sentences, or even a trustful look, instead of a regular prayer; and He will bless the reading of a few short words, and make them as food to your soul.

May God’s Word, whether read, or listened to, or treasured up in the storehouse of your memory, be very sweet to you in the time of your affliction! May it cheer many a lonely hour! And may your heart be so prepared by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that you may feel as though God was Himself speaking to your soul, and pointing out to you the way to Heaven!