Psalm 121:1-5
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Years ago, I was listening to a dear friend and sister in the Lord, Bonnie, talk about her struggle with cancer. Since the disease had spread to several areas, she suffered much physically for many years.
This time, she was telling me about how the pain kept her awake at night after one of her surgeries. You can well imagine the loneliness, the sterile smell, the noises that keep you from truly resting and the diagnosis and prognosis floating in and out and all around the barren room.
But, as she spoke, there was no bitterness, no anger, no frustration – only joy.
Joy, because the Lord had whispered His presence through this verse while she was laying in that hospital bed, overwhelmed with pain, but overcome with His presence.
Reminded that He also was awake, she began pouring out her heart in prayer, then in praise, then peace came.
Little did Bonnie know how that conversation, in which she gave the Lord glory and honor and testified to His comforting presence during her greatest hour of need, would minister to my heart, mind and even my own cancer ridden body, many, many times.
When I have lost sleep over troubled relationships, the God who never sleeps hears my pleas.
When I have lost sleep over my dear children, the God who never sleeps comforts my heart.
When I have lost sleep over physical suffering, the God who never sleeps has given me peace with His presence.
Hebrews 4
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
When your heart is so troubled you can’t sleep, remember—
— He isn’t sleeping either.
Beautiful story. I didn't realize you suffered with cancer. So sorry to hear that. What a great reminder for us all.