What brings Joy? I could write a “joy list “that could measure a mile long. It would be very easy for me to share what everyone expects to hear. At the top of the list would be my husband, my children, and most of all, my God. I would mean it. Every word would shout truth because those beautiful people I share my life with, and that faithful God I serve, continually give me reasons to not only love life, but to fully live it.
However, there was another time – a time of brokenness that sent me to my knees with pain so deep I didn’t think I would ever recover. And believe it or not, it is that time period which brings me joy today.
It might surprise you that I can list 5 miscarriages, a stillborn daughter, and years of secondary infertility as a time where seeds of joy were planted, but I serve a God who specializes in surprises. The box they are in isn’t always shiny and beautiful. It is usually broken and bruised. Just remember, looks can be deceiving.
Once upon a time there was a girl in her 20s who prayed every night for another baby to love. She was forced to live through the beautiful sounding cries of her friend’s babies. She watched the calendar as her due dates, just like her short-lived pregnancies, came and went. The betrayal of her body angered her. She thought she was losing the biggest battle of her life. But God! He was waging war on her behalf.
You see, during that time God broke her wide open. He tilled the ground of her heart like a garden and planted seeds of dreams. He whispered truth to her weary soul and watered her heart with the promise of a new day.
Joy isn’t about where you’ve been; it’s about where you’re going.
Throughout that time in my life I never thought beyond “the baby.” It never entered my mind that God was doing a miracle work in my soul making it possible for Him to work through me. He was preparing me to write, speak, and love women through not only infertility and infant loss, but through any type of life challenges. He was calling me to encourage long before the discouragement of my own problems faded.
He planted joy then, so that I could live freedom now. And that is what God does. He works mightily inside the lives of those who love Him. And with a plan, He knocks hard on the doors of the hearts that don’t.
During the difficult seasons He pursues us while planting seeds of joy. Those seeds remove bitterness from sorrow and prepare the harvest with unspeakable joy.
And you, my sweet friend, can have joy too! No matter how hard today is He will break you wide open and till the ground of your heart. If you can, take your eyes off this moment, lift up your head, and Look to where you are going. You will find joy there!
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
-Psalm 16:11
Love,
Jennifer
To find out about my book, Nothing to Hold but Hope, click here.
Jennifer – your words always touch a place in my heart where God is knock, knock, knocking. I thank you for your transparency in sharing moments of your life that might be difficult to talk about. God is using you to reach people that need your message of hope, and there is always joy in being used by our Mighty God! http://vintagehousewife.org/2014/02/19/joy-in-the-morning/
Thank you, Shannon. Your words are a blessing.
I feel like you’re telling a piece of my story here. For months I’ve been going to Bible study, watching another friend anticipate the arrival of her second child, seeing her belly grow more and more each week. It cuts, it tears, it makes me leave the room so I don’t cry in front of her. I don’t know exactly how to see the beauty when it hurts, but your words give me hope. And I know the Giver of that hope, and so I choose to believe that He can make this beautiful. Thanks for this today, friend…my heart needed it. I’m so grateful that you are willing to share your journey.
I’m praying for you, Mel. I’ve been there and know it’s a very difficult place. It is so true that He makes all things beautiful. And He makes ways where there are none. I’m believing for you, friend!
This is so beautiful!!!
Thank you, Karrilee!
During this most difficult season, I thank God for your words. I am being tilled and guided by His hand and sometimes it is hard to recognize the beauty in brokenness. God is nearer to me now than any other time in my life because of it. Some days are easier than others, but gratitude goes such a very long way in reshaping the way I view my situation. His goodness will prevail…thanks for the reminder.
I just said a prayer for you. I’m hoping you find joy soon, sweet friend.
Great reminder for me today! You’re a blessing.
Thanks, I enjoyed your post today. I’m in the middle of difficult times but I know there are seeds of joy being planted!