doctor's life support

12th April: A Legitimate Release (2)

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (NIV)

If yesterday's suggestions sound like a lot of 'pie-in-the-sky' to you, may I say humbly but with the benefit of experience, 'try it'. Carry around a pocket New Testament -- or even better a whole Bible -- in your white coat, and when those times come when you feel the pressure building up, read, memorise and meditate on God's promises to those who have been in your shoes in the past.

In order to do that, you need to be familiar with the relevant passages. As you read through the Bible, you will discover more and more of these for yourself. But in order to help you today, here are some verses which I found of great value during my final clinical year. Why not underline them in your Bible or cop0y them out now? You never know when you might need them.

• A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength (Ps 33:16).

I pour out my complaint before him. I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit is faint thou knowest my way (Ps 142:2-3).

Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you (Ps 55:22).

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor 10:13).

Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord is the stay of his hand (Ps 37:24).

He delivered me from my strong enemy (Ps 18:17).

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy (Ps 61:2-3).

Thou, O lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head (Ps 3:3).

I kept my faith, even when I said, 'I am greatly afflicted (Ps 116:10).

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (Jn 14:27).

Blessed are the men whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the highways of Zion. As they go through the valley of misery they make it a place of springs (Ps 84:5-6).

Thank you, Lord, for your strong word.
Help me to find in it not only encouragement but challenge.

TGS