"I even I , am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction?"
The cowering prisoner will soon be set free; they will not die in their dudgeon, nor will they lack bread.
For I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea, so that it's waves roar-the Lord Almighty is his name. Isaiah 51:12-15 (NIV)
"Shout for joy, O heavens, rejoice, O earth, burst into song, O mountains!
For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones." Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)
I woke up this morning with a bloody taste in my mouth and horrible pain in what's left of my intestines. Most of you know I started Chemo a couple of weeks ago to try to put the Crohn's back into remission. This Wednesday, I'll go back for another treatment. I often wonder whether it's worth struggling through for more pain, when it would be easier to just let go, and let this disease finish what it has started.
But, there's another part of me who wants to stay with family and friends a little longer. I'd love to rock grandchildren, make love again and laugh with family and friends. There are so many people I'd love to hug at least once more, so I will fight, at least til God calls me home.
God's constant presence is such a wonderful blessing. There's nothing we have to endure alone. He's there to protect, love and guide every step of the way. God is always so good especially when life is difficult.
I know the holidays can be especially difficult for many of us. We've lost family or friends in death, or severed relationships. That kind of pain can be worse than physical pain. Regardless of the kind of pain we're enduring, we can all reach out to God. He is the Reason for the Season. No one else loves us more. Jesus bridged the gap from sin back to our Heavenly Father through His life, death and resurrection.
"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
