The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

Psalm 18:2

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand;
all other ground is sinking sand,
all other ground is sinking sand.

We have been singing this hymn at church lately and it’s a good thing for me that we have. With these reports from the doctors coming in about the cancer in my husband’s body, I found myself getting into despair when the report was bad and feeling relief and optimistic when the report was less than bad. Singing this song made me realize the error there. My hope, my faith needs to be built on what Jesus did for me, what He did for my husband and for you. He took ALL our diseases. Can I say that again?  He took ALL our diseases, even cancer.

When I look too much to the doctors’ reports I can be up one minute and down another. That’s not faith. Faith is standing, unwaveringly standing on the promises of God. The God who will never leave or forsake me or you, the God who sent His son so we could be free of all the shame and guilt associated with our failings, the God who made His will known by having Jesus heal all who came to Him. His report is the report I place my faith on, His report is what I lean on and His finished work in Jesus Christ is what I gaze upon. All other ground is sinking sand.

Recently during praise time at church, I was slightly more enthusiastic about praise than the weeks preceding. I had gotten answers to a couple of prayers and I was excited. The Holy Spirit interrupted my praise with these words, “Praise the same way before a victory as you would after a victory.” Wow, was I ever convicted. And encouraged. Our praise should reflect our faith in His word, regardless of what the present circumstances would lead us to believe. So I choose praise, enthusiastic, heartfelt, humbling praise before and after the victory! How about you, care to join me in praising God regardless of the report of the doctor?

Jesus, thank You, for being my solid rock, my strong tower, my safe place in a world that sometimes seems anything but safe. Regardless of the doctors’ reports, Your word prevails and I am so grateful for that. Thank You for being the first word and the last word and all the words in between. Have Your way in our lives, I ask in Your mighty name, Amen.

pic credit: Knox Ladies Seminar