Resting on the Promises

While I would like to say that I am always able to trust in God's loving, sovereign control over all things, honestly sometimes fear and anxiety take over. I am so very thankful that my procedure has been moved up so that I can recover and return to my family quickly, but that is not the only reason. I also am a bit anxious as I wait to find out whether I still have pre-cancer, or if it has become cancer. Last night I didn't get much sleep as all of that rolled over in my mind. My doctor thinks that it is likely still pre-cancer, but that is not my best comfort.

Every school day for the last several months, we began the day reciting two things that bring me great comfort. I have written about them both before, but it is good for me to write about this again. I hope it encourages some of you to read these things again too. 

The first is Psalm 23: 

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He resores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.
For you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever!

It is so good to be reminded of this daily. Another thing we recited in the mornings was the first question of the Heidelberg Catechism. 

Q1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong body and soul, in life and in death to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. 

He has fully paid for all my sins and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head apart from the will of my Father in heaven. Indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. 

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of my salvation and makes me wholehearted willing and ready from now on to love for him. 

It is a joy to be able to live for him at Good Shepherd's Fold.

I typed these words from memory rather than cutting and pasting because I wanted to think through all of this. I am thankful for the comfort I have knowing that God is in control, that I belong to him, that He is with me, that I have eternal life in Christ, and that I have the privilege of living for Him. I pray that whatever happens tomorrow, I will cling to those promises and glorify Him!