Recently I have had a bit of a health scare and was required to have a follow-up procedure done to see if I would the “all clear”, the “need to repeat procedure, because something is may be there, or the “there are cancerous cells there” report. After the procedure the nurse told me that the doctor had said I got the “all clear” for 3 more years, pending the results of the pathology report. The doctor was supposed to call within 5 days and if I did not hear anything, to call the office. I waited a full week and did not hear anything.
Part of me was thinking,”don’t worry, he said I was clear for 3 years” and part of me was worried, because no news could mean things were more complicated. When I called, the nurse said the pathology report was back and she would have the doctor call me. At that, cold, icy fear began to creep up my spine. If it was good news, the nurse would have told me, right? I started imagining how I would need to give up my upcoming beach trip with my grandchildren or my trip to Wyoming in September to see my step-mom that I was really looking forward to..What kind of treatments would I need? I literally stayed around my house with my phone next to me the rest of the day. Afraid I might miss the call, I did not shower or go to grocery or do any of the things I had planned to do.
But when the panic started to take over, the first thing I did was take some deep breaths, then I thought, “What scripture would help me right now?” I knew right away where I would go, Psalm 27. I always turn to this Psalm when I am afraid.
The Lord is my light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
When evil people (my fears) come to devour me, when my enemies (fears) and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. Psalm 27:1-3
Once I had read it a few times, I could feel my body start to relax and then I knew that it would be OK, whatever the report said. I would not be alone and I could handle anything, knowing the Lord was right beside me protecting me and I would remain confident. The end of the story is that I got a message from the doc that said I would need to return in 1 year, instead of 3 for a repeat procedure. I can live with that. And I said a prayer of thanksgiving that I have a God that will never leave me to face my fears alone. God is good!
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.