March 22, 2018

Truth versus Facts

I recently read an article dealing with responses to macular degeneration diagnoses. I don’t have “textbook” macular degeneration in my “shot” eye but the treatment and issues are very similar. 

I can relate to the feelings described in the article, and I’m pretty sure they apply to people with any chronic issues: physical, emotional, relational, financial, etc. And we know as Christians that God can heal all things! But in those situations when healing doesn’t come, I think it is good to be aware of how our minds process information. It was helpful for me to read. 

“To use macular degeneration as an example, when a person begins to experience the changes in central visual acuity... associated with the onset of macular degeneration, there follows an initial reaction of worry, concern, and perhaps anxiety which leads one to seek a medical evaluation, diagnosis and (the usually expected) correction. When the unexpected and devastating diagnosis of macular degeneration comes, one’s world is suddenly topsy turvy (unless the psychological defense of total denial sets in to avoid emotional pain and protect the familiar self-image and sense of security). Even the sympathetic and encouraging words of a caring physician who understands both the limitations and continuities of sight that you may experience now and in the future, can often not be heard and emotionally processed at the moment of diagnosis. Your perception of yourself, and vision of your future is thrown into total disarray; you despairingly imagine a life of darkness, social isolation, dependency, risky treatments, loss of friends, hobbies, participation in activities of interest such as sports, theater, art and reading – in short, a kind of early death.“ Arnold Wyse, MD

I thought it was so worthwhile - because we can find joy EVEN when we are processing difficult circumstances in our lives. It all comes down to choosing truth, not facts. We can simultaneously feel sadness due to loss (which is a fact) but we can know the blessed assurance (truth) that God is with us and will use our situation for good and for His glory. 

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm‬ ‭94:18-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬