Months prior to September 28, 2023, I began to feel the Lord speak to me during my nightly devotions. It was a whisper from the Lord, telling me that I would be engaging with Psalm 23 on a regular basis. The catch? I had no clue what this "practical" engagement would entail, considering it's just a six-verse scripture. How could it become a recurring topic of conversation between the Lord and me? After all, practicing something suggests repetition and dedication, but I had my doubts. Was this simply my own imagination running wild? Was I making things up in my head? I pondered these questions for a while and then shelved the idea. I figured that if the Lord indeed wanted me to "practice" Psalm 23, He would make it so unmistakable that there would be no room for doubt; it would be an undeniable divine calling, not a product of my own thoughts or the enemy's deceptions.
Fast forward to September 28, 2023, I found myself in a hospital bed, battling cancer. The journey was just beginning. On October 2, 2023, I underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor, a pivotal moment in this chapter of my life; Psalm 23:4 resonated with newfound significance, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
From October 7, 2023, until today, I've been taking life one day at a time, navigating recovery (My new normal) from brain surgery, some speech loss, grappling with the loss of my ability to drive for six months following the initial seizure on September 28, 2023, dealing with the loss of my income due to my inability to work, and facing the reality of losing my apartment because of the absence of work income. In the midst of these trials, I've looked to Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing," and Psalm 23:2, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters." as He is now my provider. He is my provider. He is my shepherd. He will take care of me.
As I looked from October 12, 2023, and beyond, I find myself at another crossroads, contemplating the various treatment options for my cancer. I weigh the positive aspects against the potential long-term negative side effects, pondering the quantity of life versus the quality of life. In moments of uncertainty, I have chosen to stand on
Psalm 23:3 (NKJV), "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake."
I also turn to a few additional Psalms for guidance, like
Psalm 25:4 (NLT), "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow,"
Psalm 25:8 (NLT), "The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray,"
Psalm 25:12 (NLT), "Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose."
In closing, I express my gratitude to the Lord for the gift of Psalm 23 and for the presence of cherished individuals He put in my life to help save it on 09/28/2023: Cindy, Blaine, Dad, Mom, Paul Hughes, and Lucy Hughes. These verses along with the support and prayers of many loved ones have provided me with comfort and strength during this challenging journey.
Fantastic writing. Enjoyable to read. Insightful spiritually. Relatable. Touching