I mentioned last week that it was time for the semi-annual check of my insides to look for cancer recurrence. This experience can be so daunting that there’s a term for the emotions that come with it: scanxiety. As I approached Scan Day, I swung on a pendulum between complete confidence that everything would be fine and dreadful certainty that nothing would be fine.
One tactic I use during scan weeks is to remind myself that, no matter how worked up I get each time, all my other scans have been clear. I am a five-year survivor and, as of last week’s clear scans, I have accumulated a record of 14 rounds of scans showing no evidence of disease. (Praise the Lord with me!) Remembering these past experiences brings some peace when I face uncertainty, but this peace is not a sure foundation. Statistically speaking, the years of good results makes future good results more likely. But there is no guarantee.
When calling to mind past medical success doesn’t completely quiet my soul, I’m thankful there’s something better.
Lamentations 3:21-23 says: “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Calling to mind the Lord’s faithfulness and steadfast love brings hope and peace to my worried soul. Remembering His past faithfulness to His people in general and in my life specifically gives me confidence as I face uncertainty and doubts. Because God never changes, His past faithfulness absolutely guarantees His present and future faithfulness to us.
I don’t know that everything will be fine. But I do know the Lord will be faithful. Because He was faithful yesterday, I can confidently depend on Him to be faithful today and expect Him to be faithful tomorrow.
What thoughts of fear and doubt are plaguing your thoughts today? What can you call to mind about the Lord’s faithfulness in your life? How can remembering His past faithfulness give you peace and confidence for your future?
No matter what, we can remember God’s past faithfulness, depend on His present faithfulness, and expect His future faithfulness.
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