I’m dancing and leaping and praising God as I humbly thank Him for His healing, compassionate mercy. Another cancer scare ended today as the incredulous doctor twinkled, “It’s gone! It was there…and it’s gone!” A few days prior, I’d felt a warm compression on that very area, like someone pushing on a heating pad, and I knew “He touched me.” Yes, it’s gone.
Sister in Christ, our sovereign and omnipotent God can truly do anything.
For and within both of us.
I also have much nerve pain left from my latest brain surgery in 2023. Can He remove this too? Of course! But He is not choosing to remove it entirely.
So today, into our prayers for earthly suffering to end, Mr. Toplady of “Rock of Ages” fame is singing Christ’s hope to me. No matter what. Because we both have a sovereign Protector carrying our souls, in and through every bit of our suffering.
He’s been helping me “take courage” in this latest hustle of cancer testing and diagnosis, with this very song. May He “courage into” you through this week’s praise interruption and playlist gift, especially if you’re weary with cancer treatment or caring for one who is. I’m praying alongside you, for every need that it brings.
A sovereign Protector I have, as I suffer
A sov’reign Protector I have,
unseen, yet forever at hand…
unchangeably faithful to save,
almighty to rule and command.
(“Divine Protection,” Toplady, A., p. d.)
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand” (Jn. 10:28 BSB)…
who through faith are shielded by God’s power
for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Pet. 1:5 BSB).
The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you
and guard you from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3 BSB)!
A sovereign Comforter and Defender I have, in my discomfort
He smiles, and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend…
“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (Jn. 10:27 BSB).
and walls of salvation surround
the soul He delights to defend.
A sovereign Guardian I have, as I suffer
Inspirer and hearer of prayer,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine…
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God (Phil. 4:6 BSB, emphasis added).
my all to Thy covenant care
I sleeping and waking resign.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7 BSB, emphasis added)!
A Sovereign Shield and Refuge I have, as I suffer
If Thou art my Shield and my Sun…
the night is no darkness to me…
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! (Is. 43:1 BSB)
and fast as my moments roll on,
they bring me but nearer to Thee.
A sovereign King I have, Jesus, my eternal hope as I suffer
Kind Author and Ground of my hope…
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13 BSB).
Thee, Thee, for my God I avow…
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. 1:13 BSB)!
my glad Ebenezer set up,
and own Thou hast helped me till now.
Thus far the LORD has helped us (1 Sam. 7:12 BSB).
A sovereign Protector I’ve HAD, in all my suffering
I muse on the years that are past,
wherein my defense Thou hast proved…
The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress (Ps. 46:11 BSB)!
nor wilt Thou relinquish at last
a sinner so signally loved!
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6 BSB)!
Singing to our Savior, our refuge, our joy
This week’s playlist gift is for pray-singing as we take refuge in the sovereign Protector and Lover of our souls, as those united with Jesus. As we shelter in His comforting care, singing truths of His Word into our suffering. He’s carried me through this latest cancer scare with these songs! If this would be His gift to you, sign up here, and this weekly gift will come to your email with my love and prayers.
Other resources of Singing Christ’s Hope
To read more of Lauri’s writing, you can use her devotional Bible study lament prayer journals: Praying God’s Blessings in Christ as We Suffer: Scripture Prayers for the Hardest Days, Praying God’s Promises Into Suffering, Near to God: A Devotional Bible Study of God’s Character as We Suffer, or Singing the Gospel to Job: Finding Hope in Suffering. In the Valleys of God’s Love is written for children aged 3-8, a perfect read for grandparents, parents, and children to share together, preparing them for suffering to come.
For Scripture devotionals, calming hymns, lots of playlist gifts and encouragement from Lauri, click here for YouTube channel
For suffering Christian women in your church, free workshops are now available
If you would like to support the increasing costs of this online ministry to suffering Christian women across the globe, we appreciate your donations of any amount!
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