You're Never Alone ... Even When You're Overwhelmed

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-3

I've talked with several patients who describe part of this journey with cancer as "overwhelming." Sometimes it seems that one problem leads to another, to another, and to another, until we can feel beaten down. If you feel this way at times, you're not alone. The Bible has some guidance for you: Take one day at a time (based on Matthew 6:34). We do not know what tomorrow will bring, and it may bring some good news. The Bible also says that even when we are feeling overwhelmed, we are not left alone. We belong to God, and God will be with us through the trials of our lives.

A songwriter, many years ago, put these words from Isaiah 43 into verse when he wrote,

"Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,
for I am your God and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with you in trouble to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

When through fiery trials you pathway shall lie,
My grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;
The flame shall not hurt you; I only design
Your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
Ill never, no never, no never forsake!"

Don't you love those final words? God will never leave us, nor forsake us, no matter what happens. He's promised that to you today, too, whatever bad or good your day may bring.

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