|
|
Why Me?Chaplain Deb Fennema, MDiv, Pastoral Care, CTCA/Midwestern Regional Medical Center
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:23-26 One of the questions most cancer patients face is, "Why me?" Often, it's the family members of the patient who know what a wonderful person that patient is. They wonder why God would allow cancer to affect such a good person. In verse 13 of this chapter, the psalmist reflects this same thought, when he says, "Surely I have kept my heart pure in vain." When the psalmist sees the ungodly people around him thriving, he questions whether it's really worth it to be obedient to God. It appears that the ungodly are wealthier, happier, and even healthier. "They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong," says verse three. Then the psalmist details their sinful behavior, to the extreme measure of scoffing at God. It just doesn't seem fair that the wicked prosper and the good suffer. In the end, however, God reveals to the psalmist the final destiny of such ungodly people. He realizes they are headed for destruction. In contrast, the psalmist proclaims, "Yet I am always with you; you held me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory." Like the psalmist, we know that God's presence is always with us. It's as if He's got hold of our hand every step of the way. He promised never to leave us or forsake us. He provides guidance to us on a daily basis. And the best is yet to come: an eternal future in heaven with Him. |
