Be Not Far from Me, November 24
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Thomas Sherrod
My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off (Psalm 38:11 ESV).
Holidays are a time for celebrating and rejoicing with loved ones. We can share touching memories and funny stories with friends. I love to gather with others around a table filled with turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. However, for some, the festive season might bring loneliness and a sense of isolation. Everyone does not have a supportive, close and loving family. Or some years are especially difficult due to a recent loss.
In today’s verse, David expresses the pain of feeling isolated from friends and family. He believes his friends have abandoned him in his time of suffering. He feels he has no one to lean on and is betrayed by those he thought were friends. Even as he feels abandoned, he knows God is his only real and dependable hope. He trusts that the Lord hears his plea for help. The last verse of the psalm proclaims God as his salvation.
Cancer can bring confusing feelings. We can feel alone and forsaken by friends and family. We might think no one really understands fully what we are going through. We might share our thoughts and feelings with other cancer survivors. Yet each person’s experience is so different. Some have a difficult time with chemotherapy. Others seem to breeze through it without too many side effects. Some cancers respond well to therapies, while others are stubborn and resist treatments. Some friends seem to know just what to say, while others’ comments leave us feeling more isolated.
David clearly expresses his frustration with friends and family. Yet, he does not let his disappointment with friends infect his trust in God’s faithfulness and ability to bring healing and peace.
David poignantly asks God to be not far from him. He knows his need for God’s presence even as he experiences the distance of his loved ones. During hard times, we can mistakenly assume that because loved ones are not emotionally available, God must also be aloof. Nothing could be further from the truth.
After the resurrection, many of Jesus’ followers mistakenly assumed His crucifixion had taken Jesus from them forever. During this time, Jesus walked beside some followers on the road to Emmaus. Not realizing it was Jesus walking with them, they expressed their disappointment with how things had developed. They had hoped Jesus was the one to redeem Israel. All the while, Jesus was right there. He opened the Scriptures to them, and their hearts burned within them. Their feelings of isolation and disappointment did not negate God’s presence. We can rejoice that God’s faithfulness and eternal promises remain steady through the changing winds of our emotions.
Pray: Lord, help us to realize You are close to us even amid our temporary and fleeting feelings. May we know that You are not far from us in our trials. May Your abounding love overshadow our passing thoughts of isolation. Help us claim our place in Your faithful plan of salvation. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to focus your thoughts on His faithfulness. Call upon His Holy Spirit to remind you of His constant friendship and help, regardless of external or physical circumstances.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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