The Lord Is Our Refuge, May 12
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Tom Corbell
“Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me” (Psalm 31:2-3 NIV).
The Lord God Himself is our refuge and our fortress. In today’s verses the psalmist cries out, “Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me!” As believers in Jesus, we experience the very real presence of God Himself with us, moment by moment and day by day. What an incredible gift to those on a cancer journey.
Have you ever thought of your church as a place of refuge, as well? What if there were no churches where you live? What would it be like to live in such a community? What would happen to the teenager who's been finding refuge from his abusive family in the church's youth group? Or the divorced single mother who discovered that her volunteer experience as a Sunday School teacher helped her find employment as a teacher's aide in the local school? Or the potential suicidal person whose life was changed after sitting down with the pastor in a coffee shop for a heart-to-heart chat?
Our churches are worth more than we could ever imagine. They are much more than a building and a Sunday service. They can be a compelling and sorely needed source of refuge and strength, provided from the hand of God.
Rather than looking to our church for refuge during a cancer journey, too often we let cancer silently pull us away. One Sunday you’re too sick to attend church. But a week or two later you’re healthy enough to attend—yet you don’t feel like dealing with the people. Perhaps some people ignore your cancer which feels insensitive, and others talk about your cancer which feels intrusive. Maybe people tell you that you “look great” when all you feel is yuk.
So why bother? Church is not just a place filled with people, but a place to draw closer to God. To avoid church is to avoid hearing the power of Scripture, the comfort of songs, the peace of prayer. Each of these takes on special meaning when experienced with other believers. Yes, you could do these at home—but do you? Or is the tug of cancer subtly pulling you away from what you need most—Scripture, prayer, praises, and fellowship?
It's tempting to disregard the church as some man-made thing rather than a powerful refuge established by Jesus. Jesus says that it is “my church,” and “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (see Matthew 16:18. NIV). That’s a powerful refuge! Surely it is only by God’s hand that imperfect churches filled with imperfect people can be so powerful. Remember, churches want to be a place of refuge, strength, compassion, and love.
Day by day you or a loved one may struggle with cancer and the aftermath that it brings. The church may not be able to take these struggles away, but these imperfect church people can draw near through their simple presence, a gentle prayer, a hand to hold, and a promise that cancer will not have the final word!
Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for being our refuge and our fortress. Thank You for establishing Your powerful church. Through You, these imperfect places and imperfect people can spread the good news of Your salvation and minister to those in need. Guide me to find a church that preaches Your Word so I may call it my refuge. Amen.
Your Turn: A church home does not need to be a Sunday worship service. Many people find a small group, a Bible study, or a Christian support group that feels like a church home. If you have drifted away from this, find your way back. If you do not have a home church, take some time to find one.
Tom Corbell, Hospice Pastor
Tom is a Lutheran pastor who has served Jesus in both North and South Carolina for forty-nine years. Six of those years he worked as a Hospice Chaplain, and he encountered cancer daily. The privilege of praying, working with and supporting cancer patients and their families is an honor.
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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