Blessed are those who trust in God, says Jeremiah 17, because they will be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. The leaves will remain green and even in a year of drought, it will not cease to bear fruit.  The tree is not anxious and if we trust in God, we too will bear fruit in the dry times.

Cancer fuels fear.  People who are living with the disease can easily lose their peace.  I am part of a forum for people who have the same type of cancer as me and I watch some folks crumble at various points in this adventure as can be expected.  Courage is not always possible. Some days the relentless voices of the anxiety and dread of what may come chip away at sanity. Scanxiety is real for most of us, myself included even if it is short-lived. To live in the moment sometimes means that we face the terrors that taunt us. News from the doctors can wear us down too.  The dynamics of dealing with disease can be exhausting.  Some days, a desire for the old normal is appealing, that time when everything was not about the illness.

However, if we trust in God, and send our roots out to the Life-Giving Water, we have a chance to keep our leaves green so to speak.  We can hope in the Great Physician who knows our future, who will provide all we need for the adventure, and desires for us not to be afraid. I continue to place myself in the gentle, loving hands of the Creator.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What wears you down and causes you anxiety?

How does trusting God change your reality?

Prayer

Plant me by your living waters, Great Physician, so that I may keep my leaves green.  In you alone do I place my trust. May I bear much fruit for you. Amen.