When We Journey in Good Company, September 14
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Dan Held
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1 NIV).
The Israelite people were commanded by God to gather together if they could in His presence three times a year for holy meeting, feasting, and celebration. God’s Holy Temple was in Jerusalem, the highest city in their land. The plains and hillsides below were the so-called Holy or Promised Land, where most of the Hebrew people lived. Getting to Jerusalem was no easy journey or pilgrimage. Going it alone was dangerous. Going together with family and friends, however, was more doable and far more enjoyable.
On their final approach to Jerusalem, the Israelite people ascended this commanding mountain to reach the city of Zion and God’s house, the Temple. Exhausted, they found their fatigue lessened and their strength renewed as they joined together in songs of prayer. There were fifteen such songs to choose from, depending upon which feast or celebration awaited them in Zion. So as they marched to Zion, the beautiful city of God, they sang (see Psalm 120-134 for the lyrics). And as they sang together, they rejoiced, even in their difficult journey, no matter how tired they may have been by this point in their pilgrimage.
While serving as a pastor in a local church, I noticed that roughly half of our church’s prayer requests involved cancer testing or treatment. I was led to an organization called Cancer Companions, and made it a point to include this as one of our congregational care ministries. This wonderful ministry allowed us to bring together those who were in various stages of a cancer journey to form a common bond of strength and support. Yet as their pastor, I found those who gathered were not just weeping with those who wept. Far more often they were rejoicing with those who rejoiced. Members of Cancer Companions found their joy again. Just like those ancient Israelites, they knew there was an uphill climb to be made, but together the journey was not only doable but more enjoyable than they could ever have imagined possible. Cancer is not meant to be done alone.
No wonder the Israelites chanted together, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1).
Pray: O God, who calls us together to Your house for celebration, we admit that we too often prefer to stay home alone and avoid other people. Thank You for inviting us to join together with them when the risks are low and the rewards high. Grant us a reason to rejoice in others’ presence this day. Amen.
Your Turn: Who else will you join with today that could bring you new strength—and even joy? If you are looking for others in a cancer journey to join with to pray, look at scriptures, and share, contact Cancer Companions at www.cancercompanion.org.
Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver
Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.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.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
