September 17
All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.
John 1:3
God is the source of all our lives. God is the creator of everything good, eternal and holy. When bad things come into our lives, God is there to turn them around. When problems assail us, God is with us to show us they are temporary. When evil surrounds us, God stays by us to vanquish it from our lives. As the burdens of cancer weigh us down, we must hold onto this good news. God formed this world and said that it was good. All our beliefs need to be based on the power of this created goodness. This power can then sustain us and strengthen us no matter what confronts us or lies ahead.
When I remember that I have been created in goodness and that you made the world to be good, I am emboldened to live more confidently and fully. Help me to never forget how you have made me, dear God. Amen.
September 18
…You have put all things under their feet.
Psalm 8:6
One of the most dangerous aspects of cancer is the ease in which we can become overwhelmed with our circumstances. When we fall into that abyss it often leads to paralysis, confusion and inaction. We soon believe we don’t have any options or the hope to climb out of our despair. But we do have options and we certainly have hope. God has offered us the means to meet our despair head on, the ability to overcome our distress with positive action and the capacity to seek and find answers to confront all that might destroy us.
Holy God, when I am feeling out of control and in distress, I need you more than ever. Be with me today to show me the ways you have set out for me to find help and relief. Amen.
September 19
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant.
Luke 1:72
We must always remember – but too quickly forget – that the promises of God are always kept. Throughout the scriptures the reminder is woven in an ongoing thread, telling us that God is endlessly faithful and relentlessly working for our deliverance and salvation. God has constantly worked to lift humanity from its despair. God has ceaselessly strived to show us a better and more satisfying way to live. We when are apt to give up on God as our difficulties surround us, we need to remember God’s promises and God’s deliverance on those promises – from the beginning of time to today.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, I am so blessed because of your love and help. When I recall what you have already done for me, I am assured of what you will surely do in every day ahead. Amen.
September 20
When I lie down I say, “When shall I rise?” But the night is long, and I am full of tossing until dawn.
Job 7:4
In the long darkness of the nights there are many anxious moments of distress and fear. In those dreaded hours of sleeplessness and worry, when our minds can take us to places we desperately wish we would not go, we often plead for rest and relief. For ages God’s people have cried out, uncertain if God is listening or if God even cares. In his suffering, Job’s faith and sense of hope were severely tested. But in the end he knew beyond doubt that God did care and was present in his life. Job’s reassurance is meant for our reassurance too. In the anxious moments of our darkest nights, we can remember that God always remains here with us and will never leave.
When I am lying awake, worrying about tomorrow, fearing what will become of my life, I need your love to help me through. Help me to know the dawn will arrive and I will see light again, O God. Amen.
September 21
The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
Isaiah 32:17
It is peace we all seek to find. It is peace joined with calmness and confidence that all of us hope to achieve. Through the chaos and confrontations of our lives there is a common yearning for tranquility that endures and serenity that reassures. When we are on the cancer journey the need for hope is very deep and constant. Today, find at least one way to create peace, calmness and confidence in your life. When you find that way, hold onto it, practice keeping it, build upon it and allow it to grow so it dominates your life.
Gracious God, I yearn for peace to grow within me. I need a change inside that will help to heal me from my fears and dis-ease. I know you are the One to help give me what I need. Amen.
September 22
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:12
The power of forgiveness cannot and must not be underestimated. Forgiveness is a profound act that is too often ignored. It frees us to move on from hurt. It enables us to rise above bitterness. It helps us to resolve anger. Holding on to negative emotions and carrying around resentments only serve to harm us. The toxic buildup we foster will weaken us emotionally, destroy us spiritually and tear us down physically. Learning to let go and practicing the art of forgiveness on a daily, consistent basis will do more for our healing than we can ever imagine.
It’s sometimes the hardest thing I have to do, O God. Trying to forgive is a constant battle. So, I pray for your love and grace to help me do what I know is best for me – to rise above the disappointments I feel. Amen.
September 23
This God – his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield from all who take refuge in him.
II Samuel 22:31
We are far from perfect, far from being strong and resolute enough to control our reactions to the world around us. That’s why we need God. God, who is the author of all that is ideal and best, the one eternal force in this universe that can give us everything we need. Precisely because God is eternal, God gives us timeless answers, unending help and ceaseless protection. The refuge offered by God is the refuge that will never disappoint or fail us. Praise be to God for this everlasting gift.
Dear God, I can scarcely comprehend how much you do for me. I can barely begin to recount how faithful you are to me, even when I am unfaithful to you. Thank you for sticking by me through every trial and temptation. Amen.
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