For the Weary, Waiting, and Worried, December 4
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Niki Hardy
See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. Sing to God a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth! (Isaiah 42:9-10 NIV)
We’re coming to the end of what has probably been a tough year for you, if you or someone you love has had to deal with cancer. I know when I was diagnosed with cancer, I seemed to be constantly waiting and worrying in the unknown. So I know that as you start to hear Christmas carols everywhere, you may be feeling the same: more weary and worried than overflowing with worship and wonder.
When Isaiah spoke the words in today’s verse to the people of Israel, they were a broken and enslaved people. Israel was in captivity to the Babylonians and the people were weary, worn out, and worried.
Sound familiar?
Yet, in the middle of that, God called them to sing a new song—to burst forth in joy and hope and peace in the darkness. He called them—and He calls us—to sing a new song right where we are, right now. And He tells us how.
When I played lacrosse, we practiced pivots for hours until it was second nature. A pivot has the power to quickly change your direction, similar to what Isaiah is suggesting.
In sports, a pivot has two parts—the PLANT and the TURN. As you’re heading in one direction you plant your foot firmly on the ground, then turn and go in the other direction. It’s the same in a faith pivot, too, as today’s verse describes:
1) PLANT— “See, the former things have taken place….”
God is reminding the Israelites—and us—to look back at all the ways God has faithfully kept His word over the years. Waiting with our feet planted in the truth that God does what He says He’ll do gives us hope for what’s to come, and renewed confidence in the waiting.
2) TURN— “and new things I declare….”
God is ALWAYS doing a new thing—even in the midst of your cancer.
The new thing God was announcing to the Israelites was not what they were expecting. It blew their minds! He was going to set them free—not by a military king, but instead by a suffering servant. The first coming of Jesus was a completely new thing—seeing the future in a totally new way and turning the world upside down (or right way up!)
For us, Christmastime is a time of looking back at the unfathomable gift of the Christ child and looking forward in unbearable anticipation of how this gift will bring life to our days to come. We know that in our waiting and weariness we have Emmanuel, God with us, working in us and through us, comforting us, guiding us, and giving us strength.
So, this Christmas, PLANT your feet in the secure footing of God’s abundant faithfulness through the gift of his Son. Then TURN with anticipation towards what new, wonderous thing God might be doing in you and through you next. Let your new song—like the Israelites’—be sung as you wait in hope, overflowing with praise.
Pray: Lord, You are always doing a new thing! You want to exchange my weariness and worry for worship and wonder. I come as I am and I cast my burdens on You; I know You care for me. Be with me in the waiting, lift my eyes to the new thing You are doing, and put a new song of praise in my heart. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.
Your Turn: Take a moment to bring to mind a few ways you have seen God’s faithfulness in your life. Imagine standing on this firm foundation of His faithfulness—before turning to face your future. Picture God doing a NEW thing in your cancer journey. Breathe in gratitude, trust, reassurance, joy, and worship. This is your new song. Try placing it on replay.
Here’s another new song for you this Christmas: “Sing We the Song of Emmanuel,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty.
Niki Hardy, Family Member and Cancer Survivor
Niki is a British author, speaker, podcast host, and cancer thriver. Through her books Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart and One Minute Prayers for Women with Cancer, and her free Trusting God Through Cancer Summit and Chemo Chair Prayers podcast, she helps people discover that life doesn’t have to be pain-free to be full, then to go live it. Download her FREE book bundle or find other resources at nikihardy.com.
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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