Meditating on Psalm 30:11-12

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever” (Psalm 30:11-12).

Good morning,

At the time I’m writing this, it’s been almost four years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It’s been two and a half years since my oldest brother died from a malignant brain tumor.

Needless to say, life has been a struggle since 2013 as I’ve endured my brother’s diagnosis, my brother-in-law’s diagnosis, my diagnosis, and my corresponding chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

After receiving the “No Evidence of Disease” from my oncologist, I wondered, “What next?”  I was afraid to start anything new.  I was scared to hope in fear cancer would return.

I kept reflecting on God’s word that the illness was not unto death.  And since it wasn’t unto death, I needed to LIVE; not just exist, but truly live.

I stopped letting dumb, petty stuff bother me.  I stopped living in fear.  I decided to do and be all that God called me to do and be.  I had to take off my mourning dress and slip on the garment of praise.  God turned my night into day.  He gave me joy for sadness.  He gave me hope instead of fear.  He girded me with gladness just as David said at the end of Psalm 31:11.

Have you been grieving, walking around in mourning?  It’s time to dance.  It’s time to sing praises to God for all He has done.  It’s time to rejoice.  It’s time to LIVE on purpose and in purpose.  It’s time to give thanks to God forever.

~Aretha