This is all in anticipation of the next step in the treatment process which begins tomorrow morning at 11:00 am. After blood work, initial questions, paperwork, etc. I will receive my first dose of intensive chemo. I receive the second dose on Thursday and I receive the stem cell transplant on Friday. It should be quite a week!
I get Saturday "off" (as the effects of the chemo begin to be felt). Then I have 10 straight days of trips to the hospital for blood work and treatment as the blood levels need to be monitored closely along with other potential side effects.
The next two weeks will be tough on the body!
Spirit: "Cast Your Cares" Psalm 55:22
I kid you not, this was the Psalm I was scheduled to read today...and I'm so grateful for this very basic reminder which I share with you.
Here is David, a man of God, a man who has experienced God's protection and provision so many times and in so many ways, calling out to God in fear and trembling, experiencing the terrors of death (see vs 4-5). This isn't a giant or even an army which can be opposed face to face...might against might. It is the intrigue of one of David's trusted friends who is disloyal and has influenced many people in the city against him...but how many? And who? David feels great fear because he can't see the hearts of the people and he doesn't know how to face this "foe."
All he knows is that God sustains him. The climax of the Psalm is vs 22-23. His job is to cast his cares on the Lord and God's job is to sustain him.
That is not an easy thing to do and it gives me encouragement to realize that David struggled with this. Our enemy may be another person, a disease, the unknown, a relationship, a decision, a financial situation or some other struggle. Each can seem overwhelming at times. We lie awake at night thinking and worrying. Our minds run down the path of "what if" which brings us to the point of sheer terror. We read into circumstances, conversations, even "looks" and other non-verbals which come our way. We physically get sick or depressed. And what good does it do?
There is a better solution. I intend to practice it as this next round of treatment and all the unknowns come my way. "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Now that's a good deal and a great way to live life!
"Lord, my cares are many; You are greater. Please sustain Your servant in my weakness and distress. You are my God."
He IS Your God !!!! hallelujah !! Mighty in battle !!
ReplyDeleteAs I read through your post, I was immediately immersed in those same feelings thoughts you expressed when Randy was going through his treatments for leukemia. The Lord was always faithful, granted such peace and strength. It was hard, very hard, but to see Him work and sustain us was priceless! Thanks for sharing your heart ... we look forward to how God's going to work in you, your family & the church!
ReplyDeleteHey Dave, Wayne Bond here. Darla has kept me regularly informed on your situation so you can be in our prayers. Just read your meditation on Psalm 55. As always, God has used you to bring scripture to light in such poignant way. I really needed to read of your insights into this topic. Your faith and strength (and that of another family friend Kathy) during these incredibly challenging/difficult times have been inspirational and helped to put life "in perspective." I will, indeed, practice casting my cares on the Lord.
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