As flu and cold season creeps upon us with its curse of coughing and runny noses, I seriously contemplate taking up the age-old practice of hibernation. Can't get sick if I hide under my bed covers for five months, right?

Unfortunately, hibernation isn't an option for me. So I'll protect myself in different ways. I'll bath myself in hand sanitizer and switch seats on the bus if someone even dares to think about coughing in my direction.

But I can only do so much to stave off winter's illnesses.

When I do finally succumb to the aches and pains, I know what's coming next: the five stages of an airborne illness.

1. Denial. Sickness is just in the mind!
2. Quest for Magical Healing Concoction. If I just mix this bone broth with turmeric and 26 pounds of vitamin C, I can drink it and be healed in less than 15 minutes!
3. Surrender. Okay, I'm actually sick. This is the worst possible thing.
4. Journey Back to Infancy. Hey, Mom, can you drive an hour to come give me a tissue? There is no way I can possibly muster the strength to move my arm and grab one from the box next to me.
5. Healing. Somehow, I'm still standing. Life without illness is magical!

Sometimes, weeks go by before I get to stage five. And while I wait to get better, it's hard to feel like doing anything at all. I'd rather drink hot tea, hide under my comforter and binge-watch television shows. But that can only go so far. When I turn to God as my comforter and find my hope in him, I find true rest—even in the midst of my illness.

Are you feeling sick today? Maybe you're battling a lifelong illness or something temporary like a cold. You find it hard to feel comfortable in your own skin because of your illness. You feel like your body is warring against you.

If you're feeling sick, I invite you to reflect on God's peace and comfort as you read through these 5 verses with me:

Psalm 30:2-3 (GNTD)

I cried to you for help, O Lord my God and you healed me; you kept me from the grave. I was on my way to the depths below, but you restored my life.

Psalm 119:76 (GNTD)

Let your constant love comfort me as you have promised me, your servant.

Psalm 71:5-6 (GNTD)

Sovereign Lord, I put my hope in you; I have trusted in you since I was young. I have relied on you all my life; you have protected me since the day I was born. I will always praise you.

Psalm 43:5 (GNTD)

Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.

Lamentations 3:22-24 (GNTD)

The Lord's unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in him I put my hope.