A Strong Tower
I don’t know how it is for you, but regular medical checkups, well…
They’re not very regular, what with the current flu season and COVID-19 still bouncing around. And it’s been that way for quite a while. Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and all this has made it quite the challenge for people who are battling cancer. And perhaps you’re one of them. I know for me, I’m significantly behind in my regularly scheduled PET scans, part of my follow-up treatment for cancer. Nowadays, I don’t even see my medical oncologist at his office; we have meetings by Zoom. And you know, it’s just not the same. Especially when I could not get the webcam on my computer to work. Now, this could make you feel anxious.
But over the last few weeks, Proverbs 18:10 has been a real anchor. And I just bet you know this Scripture; it says: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Friend, there’s nothing more comforting, more strengthening; nothing that makes you feel more safe or secure than the name of the Lord.
And during this strange season of coronavirus concerns, you will find me running into that strong tower, the name of the Lord. Especially at night when I go to bed. Two nights ago, a friend helped me lie down, and after she positioned me in bed, she pulled up the covers, got ready to turn out the light, and before she left the room, I said to her softly, “Okay, I’m now heading to sleep, and if I cannot find it, I’m going to go meet Jesus. Wish me well.”
Well, that night I was not able to easily find sleep. But rather than be anxious, I started repeating the names and titles of Jesus. As I breathed in, I whispered, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,” and when I exhaled, I breathed out his names, “You are the Lamb of God.” Then again, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, you are the narrow gate.” And again, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, you are the glorious sword.” I kept doing this, breathing in, breathing out, and making the name of the Lord my strong tower; names like – he’s my righteous branch, my living water, my Good Shepherd, my rose of Sharon, my lily of the valley, my bright and morning star and so on and so on. And with every breath in and every breath out, I felt God’s comfort surround me in the night. I share all this, because in this difficult season, especially if you are battling a health condition like me, the name of the Lord is your strong tower. In the night, he is your bright and morning star. If you’re battling anxiety, he is your glorious sword. If you’ve lost your way, he is your guiding Good Shepherd. Keep running into the strong tower of the name – the many names and titles – for Jesus, and you will be safe. You will find comfort.
And I’d like to give you more comfort today, again, if you’re concerned that you cannot see your doctor on a regular basis, especially if you’re battling cancer like me. Because in these uncertain times, I want to give you my booklet on cancer and how you can find God’s comfort in the battle. It’s October, and that means Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so, visit joniradio.org and ask for your free copy of my booklet on breast cancer. Share it with a friend who’s struggling. Just go to joniradio.org and we’ll send your special gift right away. Thank you for letting me share a little hope through your hardship today. Just keep running into the safe, strong tower of the name of the Lord, okay? Don’t forget to come by joniradio.org for your booklet. Thanks for joining me for Joni and Friends!
© Joni and Friends
Today’s Gift
Today’s GiftDiagnosed with Breast Cancer
As a survivor herself, Joni Eareckson Tada walks with you through the struggles and questions that arise with the diagnosis of breast cancer. With the wisdom and grace that comes from experience, Joni uses Scripture to point the way to a deeper trust in the God who provides hope in the midst of hardship.
