Regardless, May 22
Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV).
My wife and our two young daughters drove to married student housing at the University of Virginia. We were fortunate to find affordable housing for my year of Clinical Pastoral Training. The scene was stark. The cinder block buildings were painted a bland white. There were no bushes or flowers to be found. My wife commented on the depressing surroundings. I couldn’t disagree. Yet the bleak situation began to slowly change over the next twelve months.
We met friends from Canada and France. The young families shared a common bond. We were all in transition. It is amazing how fast friendships can be forged under such spartan circumstances. The support between different cultures and interests was restorative. It is humorous how fondly we look upon that year. We had so little materially, yet we were fed spiritually.
Cancer may have brought times of emptiness and loneliness. You may have searched for someone to understand your plight. Depression can accompany cancer like a foreign army ready to pillage your soul. As today’s verse from Habakkuk points out, outwardly, the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vine. Friends may be hard to find. Your focus may have narrowed to the point of just making it one hour at a time. Yet you hear the author of Habakkuk squeeze out a song of praise among his barren circumstances.
The Psalmist writes, “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4 NIV) How ironic that the next psalm begins, “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the ‘gods’ I will sing your praise” (Psalm 138:1 NIV). Even among challenging circumstances, God can be present in powerful ways. You may listen to the chemotherapy nurse talk about her struggles to raise her three-year-old. You may see your spouse display compassion and strength, lifting your spirits. A song on the radio may soothe your heart as never before. A smile from a stranger might bring hope at the right moment. The words of Habakkuk, “I will be joyful in God my Savior” might take on new meaning.
Pray: Lord, may Your inward presence lift my spirits. May Your promises and everlasting covenant bring assurance when my heart faints. Your love fills my spirit with praise at the most unusual times. Thank You for Your unfailing forgiveness and mercy that is my eternal rock amid the storms of life. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to remind you of a time that He transformed bleak outward circumstances in your life. Then, lean on God’s Word that tells us we walk by faith and not by sight.
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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