Shaken to the Core

August 21, 2023

Mandy Dawson ’84 Farmer
Blogger and Author

Psalm 16

Shaken to my core. I sat there in disbelief. It could not be so. This diagnosis could not be correct. I had already been dealing with chronic illness for the past ten years. Did God expect me to deal with yet another serious problem? Did I not have enough on my plate already?

But then why not? People from all ages have suffered far more than I. And what did Jesus suffer for me? He did not deserve the pain and suffering they handed him, but He endured it for the joy of giving life to me. He has always promised to walk through the fire with me. And I knew He would continue to walk with me. He walked every step of the past ten years with me, sometimes He carried me. I was confident He would continue to be there beside me.

That day, God kept reminding me of David’s declaration: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me” (Ps. 16:8, NLT). The words comforted my soul. I took all these reminders and shook them together with the bitter news, and I found joy in the presence of the Lord.

He can do the same for you. Keep your eyes on the goodness of God and the bitter will fade into the background.

Lord, remind us that when life gives us bitter news, You have a plan. Remind us of all your sweet blessings. Bathe us in Your Living Water. And shake me only to waken us to the fact that “every good thing I have comes from you.” In Jesus’ name, Amen!