God’s Word: My Life Preserver
While reading Psalm 119 today, I remembered my cancer journey. My outcome was miraculous, but miracles are only possible in the midst of challenges and impossibilities.
I remember how God preserved my life through the nightmare of cancer and its treatment protocols. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I found powerful peace and joy when I considered the many ways God showed His love to me during my cancer journey.
He gave me the strength to endure the darkness, tears, anxiety, and fears that filled my life. I hate cancer and the nightmare it created for me and those I love. However, I cannot ignore the blessings God gave me through it, including my renewed love for His laws and precepts.
According to Psalm 119:93, His precepts are life preservers.
“If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have preserved my life.” Psalm 119:92–93 NIV
Finding the Love
My creative nature leads me to question—and sometimes challenge—the norms. I used to wonder how anyone could love “the law,” something that appears to restrict, control, or limit us.
The answer came when God’s law anchored me during stormy times. His laws and precepts helped me understand who He was. They showed me that He was not punishing me and had not abandoned me. He was there to help me believe and hope, give me direction, and preserve my life.
In any relationship, the more time you spend with someone, the better you know that person. It is the same with God. I spent a lot of time with Him during my cancer journey—seeking Him, crying out to Him, and asking for help.
Understanding His Word helped me know His will. I could then face feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, fear, depression, and the many forms of pain caused by cancer more easily.
“All Scripture is God-breathed—given by divine inspiration—and is profitable for instruction, for conviction of sin, for correction of error and restoration to obedience, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 AMP
Cheetos and the Word
How do we find delight in God’s law? My answer is Cheetos.
I may not think about Cheetos until I open a bag and eat a few. Then I want more. That may sound goofy, but it is true.
It can be the same with God’s Word. The more time I spend reading the Bible and asking God to illuminate it, the easier it becomes to understand—and the more I desire it. God loves to open our minds to the meaning of Scripture. The process can be encouraging and even fun.
Getting to know His Word, finding Scriptures that speak to my circumstances, and then quoting them during trials gave me a place of shelter. Even if we have little experience reading the Bible, God’s Word can become a powerful source of help when we are going through trouble.
“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” Psalm 119:18 NIV
The Life Preserver and the Sword
What helped me immensely was searching Scripture for verses that applied to feelings such as fear, dread, and hopelessness. After finding a Scripture, I used it like a verbal sword to confront those feelings.
God’s Word was powerful enough to break through the torrent of thoughts rolling around in my mind. His spoken Word could become louder than my tormenting thoughts.
The Word is a life preserver when we use it as a verbal sword.
God created the earth by speaking His Word into the void. According to Genesis, He made us in His image. This does not necessarily mean that we physically look like Him; it means that we were designed to reflect Him. His words created and changed things. There is power in speaking His Word aloud.
“I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” Psalm 118:17 KJV
The Prescription
God speaks to us through the Bible. When we seek His help in His Word and find the Scripture we need for a particular battle, it reassures us of His leadership.
When we realize that the God who created the universe has provided a powerful word for us to use, our hope and faith grow.
Early in my cancer journey, I found Psalm 118:17. I would say, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” I spoke this confession three times a day, as if I were taking prescription medicine. I also took it “as needed.”
It helped me through cancer nightmares, a barrage of “what if” thoughts, bad reports from the doctor, and days when I was so weak that I wondered whether it would be easier to let go and die.
Scripture became the perfect spiritual prescription for those moments in my cancer battle.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 NIV
Prayer for You
God, thank You for Your love for the person reading this. Show them that You are near, waiting for them to open the door of their heart so You can reveal Your love in this trial.
Let them see the wonder and power of Your Word. Give them Scriptures they can use as a sword while fighting their battles. Let them know that Your steadfast goodness will be their life preserver in this stormy sea.
Show them Your love and goodwill toward them.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 AMP
Disclaimer
This blog offers spiritual encouragement and general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Scripture can provide valuable spiritual support, but it should not replace prescribed medication, cancer treatment, or care from qualified professionals. Please discuss any health concerns or treatment decisions with your licensed healthcare providers. If you are experiencing a crisis or thoughts of harming yourself, contact emergency services or a crisis support service in your area immediately.
