It’s Week Three Of Radiation Treatment – Time To Be Thankful – Psalm 23

Yesterday, I began the third week of my radiation treatment for prostate cancer. As I was laying in the tomography machine, the 23rd Psalm began to go through my mind. It was very comforting. Peaceful. Reassuring. And yes, that is the Psalm with the valley of the shadow of death. The Psalm that reminds us of what we have to be thankful for.

Yes, what I just said is all true.

My sister told me one time that she doesn’t need God. That religion is good for me if it brings comfort. But she doesn’t need it.

That was an odd thing for her to say. Why? Because even as she and her husband insist they don’t need religion, his parents were afraid of dying and wondering what comes next.

Maybe you noticed one part of the problem for them. If you need a hint, think about the title of this site: God versus religion.

It’s not necessarily “religion” that we need. It’s God that we need. In many ways, religion has turned into “God” created in man’s image. But isn’t it supposed to be us created in God’s image?

So, in a very real way, I can see the problem with “religion”, if it’s thought of as man’s rules about God. And then that leads to concerns at the end of our lives. For some, it also leads to concern during our lives, even in the prime of life, when something bad happens. Finding comfort in “friends” that never met because all they do is play multi-user games over the internet isn’t comfort at all. It’s a false sense of “comfort”. Maybe even flat-out denial.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 23rd Psalm, and how/why it is so comforting. Even while being hit with radiation to kill cancer cells.

…

…

Beyond that though, there’s Jesus’ words to Peter.

But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers

I know I can put my name in there in place of Peter, and that prayer is for me also. There are moments when I get down about this. But it’s only moments.

Writing this series is another part of why I can feel joy through all this. If anything can help anyone get through something similar in their own lives, or the life of a friend or family member, then I’ve helped strengthen someone.

If it’s someone I know, I hope I see you again, in Heaven. If it’s someone I don’t know, I hope to meet you in Heaven.

For now – it’s twelve down and twenty six to go.

I know – it’s pretty long. Thank you for reading this far. There’s just so much to say. So much to be thankful for. And so much of my cup running over that I want to share.

You know, someone told me I’d get tired of seeing the people at the hospital after a while. Not yet. It’s part of my day that I look forward to. That’s life to the full. The life Jesus promised.