7 Verses to Dwell Upon In the Wake of Hard News | A Rare Disease Update
The dog’s incessant barking should have been the first clue, but intently focused, I blocked out the noise and pressed on. Moments later, the ping of a new text message interrupted my focus once again.
In the driveway sat my friend’s car. On our porch sat a bag full of nourishment for both the body and soul.
Last week, my oncologist shared news I wasn’t prepared to receive: my tumor has grown a few millimeters.
There had been no signs or indicators that cued my body to brace for the shock.
In the wake of hard news, life once again feels disrupted by the unexpected. The burden both sharper and softer to bear. As the reality settles, a soft landing has been in remembering the burden is not mine alone. God’s provision has remained present, and my faith trusts it will not yield.
If you are here, you get it. You too understand the ups and downs that are present when the unexpected hits. You’ve felt the weight, you’ve experienced the questions and doubt, and, yet, you share in the hope we have through a life with God.
While I questioned sharing heavy news in a world ready to break, it’s my hope that within this space, we grow from bearing one another’s burdens. Rather than shy away from the difficult pieces of our lives, we welcome them and learn to walk through them with God and with one another.
It has been over a week since hearing the news. The shock has steadily diminished as the disappointment has begun to morph into acceptance—held along with lingering grief and ever-present hope. Both/and. Always. (But more on that another time.)
Nourishment for the Soul
The soul food I mentioned? It’s been my sustaining grace to endure, so here I offer it to you.
Inside the bag full of scrumptious food that nourished our bodies was a card. Seven hand-written verses brought forth tears and hope and nourishment for the soul.
May the verses fill you with the nourishment your soul needs in the wake of hard news.
Verses to Dwell Upon in the Wake of Hard News
Whether you are processing through hard news or simply need a soft place to land, may these verses offer you comfort in your time of need.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
“For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.” Psalm 18:28
“From the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
All verses are from the ESV translation.
Lingering over the words, “be still and know” I am reminded of who God is, all that he has done, and all he is yet to do. May we dwell in the comfort of his promises.
I leave you with this final verse of assurance that continues to cloak me in hope:
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Are you in need of prayer? Please email me at marybeth@marybetheiler.com. I would love to pray for you as we navigate the unexpected.
