I Will Fear No More
Often when I am tired, feeling sorry for myself, or in need of encouragement and truth, I pick up and read my Bible. Sometimes I am inspired to mix up the message (hopefully without mixing up the meaning), and in doing so, it becomes much more personal.
The following is a “mixed-up” version of Psalm 23. If you’re having an especially hard day today, I hope it encourages you in your journey with Parkinson’s disease or whatever shadows you’re facing.
In the valley of the shadows of this disease, where darkness threatens to consume me, causing an uneasiness and anxiousness about my life, I will fear nothing. He will lead me to green pastures and quiet waters, and it is there I will find rest.
Though the darkness clamors around me relentlessly from every side, clawing at me for what little that remains, still I will fear nothing. It is through the darkness I am renewed and restored.
In the coming of the night, though my body trembles, my heart shakes, and I question whether I will make it through to dawn — still I will fear nothing. A rod and staff stand positioned ready to comfort and protect. I am not alone.
In the deepest of the dark, when my mind dances as a winter storm pulling from its chains and playing the game of what-ifs with my weakened state of mind, yet again, I will fear nothing.
When my night journey threatens to consume my soul, laying me twisted, contorted, and vulnerable before the world, still I will fear nothing. Instead, I will enter into a glorious feast and those who taunted and teased will stand watching, hungry, and humbled.
For the dark of the night will turn its ugly face to the Light of the morning. And it is there — there.
I will feel no more,
I will see no more,
I will fear no more,
for there will be no more
shadows,
no more darkness,
no more disease …
… in the Light of that morning.
***
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
About the Author
Bobbi
My life, mental life, is on the foundation of Acceptance and Gratitude. For Acceptance I pray The Serenity Prayer and then accept whatever it is that I cannot change -- other people, my PD, the weather. I say to myself aloud, "It is what it is, I am what I am." Then I look carefully around, and looking for things to be grateful for. I can usually find something, usually several things. Recently it was the gentle rain we had overnight. We really need rain, and this rain was so gentle it didn't cause any mudslides. I was exceedingly grateful. When I am filled with acceptance and gratitude, I am full also of happiness! My life is light!
Rob H.
Thank you. I definitely needed this. God is present with us in the suffering of this disease and lets us know there are better things to come.
Sherri Woodbridge
You’re so very welcome. Glad it spoke to you!