“I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

Wrap-Around Presence

Thank you for your many wishes of love, concern, support, and prayers since hearing the news from my doctor. I have been blessed and encouraged by your messages. I’m sorry I can’t respond to each of you personally.

My heart, my mind, and my emotions have settled into a gentle peace. There are still discussions, tests, and decisions ahead in the coming days/weeks—but I’m trusting God to help me one-day-at-a-time. It’s hard to not rush ahead into the what ifs and all the possibilities. My mind wanders there if I’m not careful. But I know I need to be careful, and I most definitely need to keep my eyes on Him and my hand safely in His.

I have taken some quiet, restful days to spend time with the Lord. It has been precious! His Spirit has ministered fresh grace and strength to my heart. Please pray for wisdom for the team of specialists as they look at what treatment options would be best for me! I am asking God to anoint their thoughts beyond their own abilities, with wisdom from Him. I think my doctor was as surprised as I was about the test results. She had high hopes for the treatment I was on. She, too, is hoping this team will have wise counsel.

“I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for Him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and He will not fail me. For He alone is my safe place. His wrap-around presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? God’s glory is all around me! His wrap-around presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. Join me, everyone! Trust only in God every moment! Tell Him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to Him. Believe me when I tell you—He will help you! Pause in His presence” (Psalm 62:5-8 TPT).

I love this passage about the wrap-around presence of God. We’re in the spring season in South Africa right now. One day the weather can be lovely and warm—and the next day it can be quite chilly and cool. On a recent day when I was spending time with the Lord, I was feeling cold. I was wrapped in a warm fleece blanket—very cozy and comforting. I thought of this verse, and imagined God’s sweet presence being wrapped around me like the blanket. I could almost feel His warm, tender embrace. I know He is holding me, carrying me right now.

God has helped me persevere on our journey. He has been so faithful. When the doctor explained to me the other day what I may be facing in my treatment in the coming time, it was daunting! But God has reminded me of His goodness to me. He has never left me. He has been with me 24/7. He never slumbers or sleeps. He is only a whisper away. He is closer than the air I breathe. It puts things back in perspective when I remember who He is! I look to Him for fresh strength and fresh courage.

Father, thank You for Your wrap-around presence. You are ever with us!