I was interested to discover that I am 'one of the more established patients' in the Beatson Cancer Centre. This doesn't come with any extra privileges I hasten to add. It just means I have been around a long time. My cancer was diagnose as active in 2019. Then began treatment which involved a stem-call transplant until today when the treatments continues. There is no actual cure for Multiple Myeloma but with continuing chemotherapy and various back-up medications the worst can be kept at bay. But for how long?
That is a Biblical question. It particularly arises in the Book of Psalms. Going through the mill in various ways the Psalmist asks: 'How Long?' I can't pretend that that question has not from time to time rattled around my head. The fatigue and other unpleasant side effects from the medication can be difficult to cope with and I can identify with the Psalmist's: 'How Long'.
Just recently I have been slowly working through Psalm 119. With 176 verses certainly the longest of the Psalms. We often dip into to it but what is often forgotten is that throughout the Psalm the writer is responding to 'affliction'. Sometimes it is persecution from people who wish him harm. At other times it is physical or psychological pain. Typical is:
My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?": (verses 81-82)
He is undoubtedly on a spiritual low but though prayer stays in the God-Zone and perseveres with his meditation on God's Words. They contain promises of His goodness and love:
If your law had not been my delight ,
I would have perished in my affliction. (verse 92)
Strong or weak, healthy or 'afflicted', up or down we can depend on this:
Your word, Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens. (verse 89)
