By Pamela Patton
As August is Psoriasis Action Month, we are calling attention to this treatable—yet incurable disease and offering some hope.
Frustratingly, stress and anxiety can exacerbate plaque psoriasis flare-ups, which can cause more stress and anxiety, leading to more flare-ups.
Some patients say that their plaque psoriasis is painful. Unfortunately, NSAIDs can also lead to flare-ups. Even gluten and certain foods can cause flare-ups, making each meal a game of Russian roulette.
It’s not all bleak. There are ways to manage psoriasis. Certain foods and supplements can reduce the occurrence of flare-ups and help relieve symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding foods high in added sugar, processed foods, and gluten may benefit some people. Keeping a food journal can help identify potential trigger foods.
Regarding journaling, keeping a journal to manage your feelings can help alleviate stress and anxiety. You can identify work and social situations that can lead to flare-ups, then practice mindfulness and meditation exercises to soothe your feelings.
But there’s one other tool we’d like to offer—one that provides comfort, peace, hope, strength and resilience, particularly for those facing a chronic condition such as psoriasis: reliance on God through prayer.
The Bible offers numerous verses emphasizing resilience, encouraging believers to endure hardships and maintain faith in God.
Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This verse highlights the renewal of strength that comes from reliance on God.
Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This invitation from Jesus reassures us that those struggling can find peace and support in Him.
While the Bible doesn’t use “resilience,” several other verses encourage perseverance, strength, and hope in the face of physical suffering and health challenges. Here are some relevant verses:
2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This passage speaks to finding strength in God even when facing physical weakness or illness.
Jeremiah 30:17:” ‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.” This verse offers hope for healing and restoration.
James 5:14-15: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” This verse encourages seeking spiritual support and prayer when dealing with illness.
12Stone Infusion Center: By Your Side in Many Ways
As a faith-based Christian organization, 12Stone supports our clients in myriad ways. We provide physical comfort while administering infusions, whether in your home or at one of our centers.
We provide reassurance. Our technicians are specialists in administering infusions. They understand each patient and offer understanding, encouragement and even laughter during treatment.
We help alleviate financial stress. We understand that dealing with insurance companies, co-pays, coverage, and more can be stressful and intimidating. Our knowledgeable and experienced administrative staff will take that burden off your shoulders.
But most of all, our community offers prayer. Each morning, we pray for patients. We think of each one, praying that He provides strength, resiliency, and hope. And we turn to scripture, such as this, which offers comfort and hope for those who are ill, emphasizing God’s sustaining power.
Psalm 41:3: “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
At 12Stone, we provide more than outstanding infusion care. We provide spiritual support, trusting in God’s strength and promises to find renewal of resiliency from reliance on God.
