Text: Psalms 41:1-3
Memory text:
“The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.” ‭‭Psalms ‭41‬:‭3 NKJV

Many scientific and medical researches have confirmed that people who show compassion to others get the reward of good health. This is because the “stress hormone”, which weakens immunity, increases inflammation, and slows healing is reduced. When compassion reduces the stress hormone during fasting, the body repairs itself faster. The researches also prove that compassion increases the “healing hormone”. Fasting alone reduces inflammation, but compassion adds hormonal support that makes healing faster and stronger. Thus, compassion boosts immunity, improves gut health, protects the heart, and improves mental health.
These scientific findings align perfectly with the scriptures. When you show compassion and mercy during fasting, “…Your healing shall spring forth speedily….” (Isa 58:8). God said it thousands of years before the scientific results.
In our text today, God says that whoever is concerned about the poor, the weak, and the helpless will receive His special attention in these ways. Firstly, he will be blessed. Proverbs 14:21 confirms it. This blessing includes favour, protection, and wellbeing. Secondly, the Lord will deliver and rescue him in the time of trouble; in sudden sickness. The hand that feeds the poor will be held by God in the day of trouble. Thirdly, the Lord will preserve and keep him alive; sickness won’t take his life. This is life insurance. Fourthly, he will be blessed on the earth. He won’t be a ‘nobody’ on earth, but he will be counted among the blessed and the prosperous in the land; those who are strong and healthy! Fifthly, the Lord will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. He will prevail in every attack. What an assurance! Sixthly, the Lord promises to sustain and strengthen him on the sick bed and, thereafter, restore his health (Psa 41:3). Proverbs 11:17(GNT) says, “You do yourself a favour when you are kind.” I like that! It means you do yourself a favour when you show mercy and compassion.
Friends, when you show mercy and compassion, provoked by fasting, God stands over your weakness like a warrior over a fallen friend. He becomes your nurse, your strength, and your rest. The bed meant to break you becomes the platform for His mercy, His workshop of healing; and a place of restoration. Hallelujah!

Prayer points
1. Father, please, soften my heart and remove selfishness from me; and give me a heart of compassion that reflects Your own heart, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, as I show mercy and lift the weak, show me mercy and lift me also when I am weak; let my compassion rise as a memorial before You, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. Every act of mercy and compassion I show to the weak goes into God’s storage, and God releases it in my time of weakness or need.
2. By my acts of mercy, I build an altar of healing that speaks over my life; the compassion I sow becomes the divine health that I reap.