Powerful Tools: Scripture and Prayer, October 26
By Dominique McLin
But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you (Psalm 88:13 NIV).
Psalm 88 is a prayer from a place of deep distress. After twelve agonizing verses, the psalmist says, “But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.” Here we see a template on how to cope with despair.
Being a cancer caregiver means suffering as your loved one suffers, which evokes feelings of hopelessness and desperation. Here, the psalmist instructs you not to “toughen up” or “quit complaining,” but to cry out to the Lord for help and believe that your prayers reach Him. God hears your prayers. He knew you were going to be afflicted, and He’s ready for you to cry to Him for help.
Where do I cry? Typically, it’s on the side of the tub in the bathroom. You know what? The Lord meets me on the side of the tub and strengthens me. God gives you what you need, at the time you need it. Is it always the answer we want? No, but we don’t see the whole picture—only He does.
The Word of God and prayer are our most powerful tools for standing through suffering, and yet they are also our most under-used tools. As I write, my husband is four days post-surgery from his third bout with cancer in three years. We have a strong band of believers praying with us, fasting, and keeping us before the Lord. I am asked as a caregiver how I keep my sanity, stay encouraged, take care of my husband, and keep everything together (I’m still not sure what that really means.) I do know, I keep praying. I keep seeking God through Bible study. I ask for big prayers, total healing and that the Lord would allow us to see His goodness in the land of the living (see Psalm 27:13).
Are there times I am discouraged, frustrated, and just plain tired? Yes. But I dare to believe God’s Word on healing. Despite the difficulty, I’ve also recently embraced the words, “Lord, Your will be done.” This is hard, because it’s not comfortable to say. But I’ve learned on my caregiver journey that God’s plans are much bigger than our limited vision. God will give us what we need to get through every situation if we but dare to trust Him. But to trust Him is to know Him. We need to pursue God, dive into Scripture, and pray with boldness and confidence. Am I always strong? No. Do I always do or say the right thing? No—most days I feel awkward and like a child, making it up as I go. In my flesh I am scared, unsecure and sinful. When I trust God, read His Word, pray, and believe that He hears me, there is a fire and determination that rises in me that can only come from the Lord blessing me with His Spirit. We can trust that He is in control and will use all that we go through for His glory.
Pray: “I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you” (Psalm 88:13). I know that You are good and that You love me. Help me to bring everything in my day to You, and to leave it all in Your hands, praying, “Your will be done.” May Your Spirit carry me through, Lord, for Your glory. Amen.
Your Turn: What are you praying for today? Lay out your fears, concerns, and your truths before the Lord. Tomorrow morning, rise early and pray to Him, knowing your prayers go before Him. Write them down and see how God moves in your life; it will build your faith and trust in Him. Then tell others of the goodness of God.
Dominique McLin, Cancer Caregiver
Dominique has walked alongside her husband, mom, and dad during their respective cancer journeys all while working in a demanding position with a major healthcare company. Dominique and her husband Elvin live in Ellisville, Missouri and are blessed with five adult children and five grandchildren. Dominique and Elvin received support from the Cancer Companions ministry and consider it an honor to be able to give back to the ministry and provide support to others diagnosed with cancer.
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.
