Praising God's Presence and Provision

So much has happened these past 10 days. Fires raged in San Diego. Thankfully we did not have to evacuate. I flew to North Carolina for a 3 day nutrition seminar that was very educational and encouraging. My drain finally came out after 3 weeks! The doctor said it drained so long because my lymph nodes are working and I'm healthy! My blood pressure was also the lowest it has ever been- 104/66! This is an indication that my arteries are very elastic and healthy! YEAH!

I also saw 3 other doctors and they all feel like I am doing exactly what I should be doing nutritionally to get my immune system strong to fight this cancer. They took a Carotenoid Antioxidant test to check my improvement. This test measures the overall level of antioxidants in my body which are the things that are going to kill the cancer. My first reading was 39,000 which is about a C+. The test this week was 58,000! They were impressed that it had gone up that much. The highest reading is 59,000!

My next step is to make an appointment with my oncologist to talk to her about how she is going to follow my progress. I had not decided to forego chemo and radiation when I first talked to her so I am preparing my heart in case she tries to convince me otherwise.

Lately I have been reading Psalm 142 and 57 which were written by David while he was hiding in the cave. Psalm 142:3 says, "When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path." I have felt overwhelmed several times on this journey. Trying to figure out the right nutritional path is a daunting task. And yet I find comfort that God knows the path. Every moment I feel overwhelmed by problems, God is
busy dealing with them. God is as present in my "cave experience" as he was in David's. He's also in yours.

Verse 5 says, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Caves are not the refuge in the times of trials! God is. He will provide whatever I need during this time.

In verse 7 David says, "Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name." I was intrigued by this. Do I want to be set free from cancer just so I can be well? Ultimately when God heals me, it will be so I can praise his name and give him glory.

Psalm 57 has two very interesting verses. Right in the middle is verse 5 which says, "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." This psalm ends with verse 11 which repeats verse 5. In the middle of this trial I am to praise God and again at the end of it.

I believe the key to being free from any trial is to learn to praise God right while you are in the midst of it. If you remember when Paul was in prison he began to sing and praise God and his chains fell off and he was set free.

If you find yourself taking refuge in a cave of your making, I encourage you to begin to offer a sacrifice of praise to God. He is always present to provide whatever you need. He is your strong tower and refuge in times of trouble. He will hold you tight even in the midst of the fire.