The past few months, I have been walking alongside a local congregation that is in transition. Their choir sets aside the first portion of Wednesday rehearsal for prayer - mostly, needs within the congregation and praise reports related to past prayers. This Wednesday, cancer dominated the requests. My heart was heavy, knowing just a few of the people mentioned...
"Lord, hear our prayer and drive this disease from our midst! Supernaturally galvanize the bodies and spirits of those who are wrestling and grant abundant peace to them and their loved ones."
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalms 16:11 NASB
Our friends receive various treatments for their disease. Among the most common is radiation therapy. These two words have mingled together with Psalm 16 in my heart this week.
Scripture tells us that Christ dwells in brilliantly intense light (radiation). Furthermore, Jesus said of Himself...
I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12 NASB
The abundant life Christ has purchased for us is indomitable.
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 NASB
We all need radiation therapy, and often. When our hearts are overwhelmed, the sheer light of His presence permeates the dark recesses, dispelling every shadow and melting the mountains like wax. It takes but a moment, as we fix our gaze on Him, for us to bask in the warmth of His nearness. Bless the Lord, oh my soul!
Let this familiar song be a constant reminder to us this week.
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus;
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim;
In the LIGHT of His glory & grace."