Before You Even Pray
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.—Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.—PSALM 112:7 [NIV]
“You have an advanced lung disease. It’s incurable,” the pulmonologist told my husband, Ralph, that fateful November morning several years ago. As I tried to absorb the full meaning of his words, I was flooded with anxiety and a host of questions: How much longer did Ralph have to live? How would this affect his quality of life? Would I be able to take care of him? How would we manage financially?
As the doctor patiently answered my questions, I put on a brave face. But inside, I was terrified.
Over the next few days my fears increased, and the doctor’s words replayed in my head over and over again.
One morning while perusing my Bible, I discovered Psalm 112:7. It was then I knew I had a choice—I could continue to “fear this bad news” or I could trust God.
Since then, both Ralph and I have taken refuge in this scripture many times as we continually learn how to navigate the never-ending tests, doctor visits, medications and insurance struggles. And though there have been times when I have fallen into fear, I’ve also learned to trust God in a deeper and more steadfast way.
God, help me not to fall into imagining the worst when I hear bad news. Remind me I can trust you, one day at a time.
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.—Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowshp
is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.—1 John 1:3 (NIV)
Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.—Leviticus 19:15 (NIV)