from Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturday, 24 November 2018
"The Best and Worst of Times" by Diana C. Derringer (Kentucky)
(Image: Pixabay)
David sang, “In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.” (2 Samuel 22:7 (NIV))With my husband, Talmadge’s, brain-tumor diagnosis we looked death in the face. Yet, out of the ugliness of scalpels and scans, healthy tissue destroyed with disease, muscle weakness, weight loss, nausea, and fatigue grew increased gratefulness for daily strength and the meeting of our basic needs.
The Bible’s declaration of God’s never-failing presence moved from our heads to our hearts, and we began living out our faith in new and different ways. Employment lost became family time gained. We learned to appreciate the present rather than constantly planning for what could be. We recognized the futility of worry and the value of joy in every circumstance. Whether good times or bad, we shared them with one another and with our God who never leaves us alone. Fearful our walk as a couple might soon end, we clung to God’s promise to walk with us, whatever the future held.
Although struggles persist and the future remains unknown, through trials we can become “mature and complete” or even wise. (See Jas. 1:2-12.) And no matter what, God is working through our trials to bring out the good. (See Rom. 8:28.)
TODAY'S PRAYER: Mighty God, remind us that pain and problems do not preclude peace, and that hard times cannot conquer hope. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: 2 Samuel 22:1-7
2 Samuel 22:1 David spoke the words of this song to the LORD after the LORD delivered him from the power of all his enemies and from Saul. 2He said: The LORD is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. 3My God is my rock—I take refuge in him! he’s my shield and my salvation’s strength, my place of safety and my shelter. My savior! Save me from violence! 4 Because he is praiseworthy, I cried out to the LORD, and I was saved from my enemies. 5 Death’s waves were all around me; rivers of wickedness terrified me. 6 The cords of the grave surrounded me; death’s traps held me tight. 7 In my distress I cried out to the LORD; I cried out to my God. God heard my voice from his temple; my cry for help reached his ears. (Common English Bible).
2 Samuel 22:1 David said the words of this song to Adonai on the day Adonaidelivered him from the power of all his enemies and from the power of Sha’ul. 2 He said:
“Adonai is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer,
3 the God who is my Rock, in whom I find shelter,
my shield, the power that saves me,
my stronghold and my refuge.
My savior, you have saved me from violence.
4 I call on Adonai, who is worthy of praise;
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 “For death’s breakers were closing over me,
the floods of B’liya‘al terrified me,
6 the ropes of Sh’ol were wrapped around me,
the snares of death lay there before me.
7 In my distress I called to Adonai;
yes, I called to my God.
Out of his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry entered his ears. (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Times of trial can give me new insight into God’s love for me.
PRAYER FOCUS: Families struggling with life-threatening diseases
READ MORE: What Did You Say?
What Did You Say?
NOVEMBER 24, 2018 BY DIANA C. DERRINGER (KENTUCKY)
RELATED DEVOTIONALS: THE BEST AND WORST OF TIMES
Diana with her husband, Talmadge
My husband’s brain tumor diagnosis in 2004 seemed bad enough. However, in 2009 he suffered a stroke, heart attack, and fall that caused a severe brain injury. Medical professionals did not expect him to survive these incidents. God knew otherwise.
As a couple we learned to deal with the residual side effects of these episodes. We also developed individual coping mechanisms. Writing became mine. A weekly blog provides one of my favorite outlets. I choose, or someone suggests, an unusual English expression for the post’s title. The body of the post includes: an explanation of the expression, a related life lesson, and a closing devotional thought and Bible verse.
The life lessons often come from insights received as a result of our recent challenges.
The following shortened versions of a few of my blog posts outline our story. The links in this post lead to the full posts on my blog.
Sometimes everything seems to go wrong. Troubles pile up, and energy goes down. Life’s storms hit hard and often. Yet, in the midst of those storms, we can praise God and count our blessings.
My husband became one tough cookie.
Although he has endured much difficulty, my husband refuses to give up. He rarely complains. Instead, he chooses to make the most of life. Like Paul, he has “learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11, NIV).
I learned not to be a worry wart.
Like many people, I could easily worry all the time about everything. Yet, I came to realize that worry not only hurts me, but it shows me where I need to strengthen my faith. A wonderful Christian friend taught me, “Why worry when we can pray?” She lived Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Many of our friends put feet to their prayers.
If given a choice between prayer and action, I want prayer. However, God directs us to take action as well as pray. Following my husband’s medical challenges, friends prayed day and night. They also visited us when appropriate; hugged us; sent cards, gifts, and food. They showed us God’s love and their love in tangible ways.
Tough times often become blessings in disguise.
Neither my husband nor I would have chosen this route. Yet, both of us have grown closer to God and one another as a result of our experiences.
Good days, bad days, and everything in between – that’s life.
We celebrate, and we suffer. Pain arises from our own decisions, the decisions of others, or circumstances beyond anyone’s control.
Life and death
Struggles and scars
Beauty and ugliness
All wrapped together
That’s life.
When we let go and let God, we find peace.
Although we cannot control everything, God can. We choose whether to trust God with nothing held back or hang onto our self-defeating desire for control.
By letting go and letting God, every day becomes a good day.
I would love for you to subscribe and make suggestions for future posts on Words, Wit and Wisdom: Life Lessons from English Expressions at dianaderringer.com.
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Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
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