“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Abiding Presence

I recently experienced a sudden and unexpected medical emergency. Medical emergencies are unsettling in the best of times, but in these troubled days the element of being all alone and without family support and companionship is added to the stress.

Thus I  fought going to the E.R. because in my condition and pain I could not see how I could even get there and when I did arrive I would go through those doors alone to sit and wait perhaps for hours before I would get any help. For those reasons I resisted and yet eventually even I concluded that my worsening condition needed medical attention. So in fear and trembling with many reservations I got in the car and went to the E.R.

I checked in at the window and took my seat among others who were in my same predicament. No one spoke. We never looked at each other. Each was alone with their own misery. Before too long I was called to triage and told them of my symptoms and pain level. After another short wait I was called to another window to give my insurance and medical information. Back to my plastic chair to wait again. And then before I knew it my name was called and I was taken back to a treatment room. The thought that all that had not been so bad after all arose in my foggy mind. I was doing all I could just to hold it together.

I was shortly visited by a nurse who was encouraging and comforting. There were warm blankets and an IV and vitals taken and tests performed. I was sent for a scan and my problems (more than one!) were identified. For stretches of time I was in that room alone. In that alone time I realized that though I had dreaded these procedures, I had been met with understanding and kindness.

My family meantime were flooding me with texts until the nurse remarked, “You have a very attentive family!” Yes! Then a grandson called and I assured him I was being well treated. As I hung up, I felt a wellspring of emotion as I realized how much I was loved. God was showing me in so many ways that I was not alone. And there in that treatment room I worshipped.

“And He said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Exodus 33:14).

I was sent home that afternoon with a handful of prescriptions and a follow up appointment with a doctor to address my second issue. Five days later, still in pain, nauseous, and unable to eat, I was admitted to another hospital for surgery. This time there was no dread or fear. I had a room to myself and a stunning view out my window. I passed the night in prayer and praise.

“And the priest said to them, ‘Go in peace. The presence of the Lord be with you on your way'” (Judges 18:6).

This time a text arrived from another grandchild who expressed concern that I was alone and I could give assurance that in fact I was not alone, for the Lord was with me. I felt His presence at every turn and had a great peace that whatever was to come I was in His capable hands.

The next morning I had a successful surgery performed. I awoke to no pain and all the nausea was gone. I was on the road to a full recovery. All this to simply say there is nowhere you will go, nothing you will face, and no fear or dread that will keep our God from standing right there with you through it all.

“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you or forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Father, I am grateful for Your abiding Presence. You are faithful and all Your words are true. You stay with us through thick and thin. What a comfort You are! Amen.