Meditating on Psalm 18:32

“It is God that girth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect,” (Psalm 18:32).

Good morning.

When I was going through chemo and radiation for breast cancer, I still preached, occasionally taught bible study, sang on the praise team, taught my women’s group, and brought my laptop to my chemo appointments to work during infusions.

People asked me how I was able to keep going.  I contribute it solely to God.  He strengthened and empowered me to do everything He required of me.

When I was about to start chemo, the Lord spoke very clearly to me and told me my journey would be different.  He told me not to use my illness for attention, to keep the focus on Him alone.  Therefore, I didn’t tell many people about my illness or what I was going through.  I just lived a Christian lifestyle and kept moving.

Just as this verse says He, “…girdeth me with strength…,” He also girded me.  Gird here means “to encompass, equip, clothe” (Strong’s H247), and that’s undoubtedly what He did for me.  Not only did He gird me, but He made “…my way perfect.”  This is beautiful because one of the definitions of “way” is JOURNEY, and we often refer to a cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatments as a journey.  He made my journey perfect, which Strong’s (H8549) defines as complete, whole, sound, and healthful.

Yes, He encompasses and encourages us.  He sends His army of soldiers to our sides to hold up our arms when we’re growing weary.

As I pen these words, my heart remembers the love and compassion that God, my family, and my church family showed me.  I will always be grateful for the love God showed me through them.  Be encouraged and rest, knowing God will gird you with strength today.

~Aretha