“It’ll be okay” is a common assurance from those around us, but Vicki explains how much more we can depend on this fact because God tell us, “It’ll be okay.”
“For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.” (Psalm 26:3).
My multiple sclerosis (MS) takes things away. Things I love. When I could no longer teach second graders, my husband comforted me.
“It’ll be okay, Vic.” I believed him because he loves me.
When the neurologist first diagnosed my MS he said, “I can’t predict what course your disease will take. But your past history gives us a good idea of how aggressively it will progress. In ten years, you’ll probably still be walking.”
I believed him because he’s trained and experienced.
When loved ones assure me things will be okay, I tend to believe them. When my doctor gives me a good prognosis, it sounds official. Something I can trust.
But as much as my husband loves me, he can’t guarantee I’ll be okay. As qualified as my neurologist is, he can’t ensure my continued mobility. Humans are limited in their ability to provide assurances. Can anyone guarantee I’ll be okay?
We can depend on God’s assurances. When He says everything will be okay, He has unlimited power to back up that statement. Yet, we secretly wonder . . . Can I depend on God? Does He still love me?
The book of Psalms is full of promises about God’s unfailing love:
- We can hope in it (Psalm 33:18 and Psalm 147:11).
- We should meditate on it (Psalm 48:9).
- We can trust in it (Psalm 52:8).
- We can thank God for it (Psalm 107:21, 31).
- It surrounds us (Psalm 32:10).
- It satisfies us in the morning (Psalm 90:14).
- It supports us (Psalm 94:18).
- It comforts us (Psalm 119:76).
My MS is impacting my cognition. That’s scary. I don’t know what my future holds. But, I know Who holds my future. I can face tomorrow and future disappointments because I know He loves me. Whatever symptoms He allows, He’ll use for His glory and to do a greater work in me.
I can fight fearful thoughts by meditating on His unfailing love. The future for an MS patient can be uncertain. But, I choose to dwell on what is certain. God’s love for me is something I can depend on. It’ll be okay.
Prayer: Dear Father, Help me sense Your unfailing love in the morning. As I begin each day, comfort me with Your unfailing love. As I go through my day, help me feel Your love surrounding me. I hope and trust in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
How has God revealed His unfailing love for you? When someone says, “It’ll be okay” do you give it more weight than when God assures you “It’ll be okay”?
God is our comforter. Even in the times we don’t feel assurance about our circumstances from the world, God always can give us the needed comfort. This song, “Comforter” by Cece Winans in a personal reminder of all the ways God reminds us, “It’ll be okay” because ultimately, He is in charge.
Vicki, thanks for your great devotion with wonderful reminders from the Psalms.
The Psalms are my great “it’ll be OK”…..such a comfort. I am going through them in order, at the moment, a few verses each day. Such a blessing with great new insights.
One of my friends is also a Dr & Counselor. When I share with her what’s been tough & how I’ve been dealing with it & she say’s “It’ll be ok. You’re doing a great job”….that encourages & comforts me. However, when someone says “it’ll be okay” just to make me feel better I have to hold back the tears, disappointment, frustration & sometimes anger!! It’s amazing how exactly the same words can elicit such vastly different responses!
Hugs, prayers & blessings to you Vicki, as you deal with your daily challenges. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Dear Kerryn,
What a great idea to feast on a few verses in Psalms each day! Inspires others to join you in your ‘It’ll be OK spiritual diet.’
Blessings, dear friend.
Vicki – you make such good points.
I believe that when friends share with us ( or family), it is often more that they want us to be okay. They do not know any other way to reassure us and they want to.
Even when the “new” comes into our lives, in your case the MS diagnosis and wondering how it will progress as there are different levels and directions it can go, God has not changed. Our need for going deeper with Him comes along with the “new”. Like all things “new”, it takes some time to navigate the terrain.
I don’t navigate very well much of the time when a newer dimension of my challenges rear up. But one thing I try and remember is that throughout all of my days and all that has happened to me, God has always been faithful. He has always provided. I can count on Him and His promisees, as you so well reminded we readers.
Thank you!
Love,
Lynn
Dear Lynn,
What a great point you emphasized: “Our need for going deeper with Him comes along with the ‘new’. Like all things ‘new’, it takes some time to navigate the terrain.”
We travel a bitter sweet path…a path paved in a deeper relationship with HIm to ease the pain.
Bless you!