Looking Straight Ahead

“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalm 61:3 NIV).

We have all been there – where new physical symptoms arise requiring medical attention. This is where I have been in recent months, roaming with God by my side. Even so, I have not always felt at peace. Many prayers have been said on my behalf. Scans & tests made the unknown more intense, but investigation was important. This week, I sat in my specialist’s exam room – the word “oncologist” inscribed on his office door.

God saw me through a battle with cancer years ago. That did not make the potential thoughts of a new round any easier. Emotionally, a see-saw existed with peace reigning, but anxiety coming in with its “what ifs”. I prayed, “Lord, you made me human. You know what is going on. You are with me. You underst& my anxiety. You know my heart is trusting you”.

My eyes scanned the mid-sized room – an exam table its main feature. A photo graced one wall & an anatomy poster was on another. There was a counter, some magazines, a sink & cabinets taking up a third side. A large-sized window directly across the room from where I sat completed the scene. The natural light to balance out the fluorescent lighting was so appreciated.

I was in somewhat of a daze. Then, I really looked straight ahead. Outside the window, but fully framed within it, another building appeared with the top of it in view. It was brown & obviously equal in height to the fourteenth floor room where I was sitting. My first thought was, “That is a strong tower”. God got my attention to show me an image of how I am to look at him, not at my own uncertainty, but at him.

That day, I received good news from my doctor. Had the news been different, God’s strength – as a strong tower – would have been there as well holding me steady.

Prayer: Lord, you remind me not to look behind or to the left or to the right but to look straight ahead, walking with you confidently into my future. You are my strength at all times. Amen.

About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.