Category: Devotional thought

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought

A KISS ON THE KNEE

joymargetts

Those of you who read my blog regularly will know that my grandchildren are a source of constant inspiration. They are small and trusting and loving, and as yet untarnished by the values of this world. How they interact with us speaks to me so much of the relationship God seeks to have with us, His children.

A Kiss on the Knee

A few weeks back we had both grandchildren to stay for the afternoon. Our granddaughter is only 17 months old and it has taken her a while to get comfortable with being left without mum, but we had finally cracked it. She had played beautifully with her 3 year old brother for hours. We had fed them, bathed them and even got them into their pyjamas, before mum came to pick them up. As my daughter walked in I observed something really cute. Our granddaughter glanced over at her mum, stood unsteadily to her feet and walked over to plant a kiss on her mum’s knee. She then went straight back to her toys.

We laughed at the time. Actually amazed that having been separated from my daughter for some hours, that she wasn’t more effusive in her welcome. We half expected tears of joy/why did you leave me?  But a small kiss on the knee was all mum got –  at least it was an acknowledgement of her return and a sign of her affection!

A small sign of affection

I was musing on this and I knew that this is sometimes how I treat God. I know He is there, and I know He cares about me, but sometimes life gets so full that all I can manage is a ‘kiss on the knee’; a small, short, acknowledgement of His presence and of my love for Him. A whispered prayer, a moment of worship, a cry for help.

We all go through busy times and seasons. For young mums like my daughter, life is crazy busy. She, I know, would love to have more time to spend with God. It is just not always possible. I wondered if sometimes God gets hurt by our lack of time spent with Him? Is it not enough to just give Him the odd moment of our attention?

But my daughter loved that little show of affection! She was so pleased to see her daughter happy and contented, and yet aware of her presence.

Is it enough for God?

I know that the most precious times of my life are when I can spend lots of quality time with God. I love speaking to Him, listening to Him, immersing myself in His Word, worshipping Him with music. Those times are life-giving and vital, and I know He loves them too. But there are days where I just don’t have the time and space to spend a long time with Him. I could feel guilty about that, I could go down the road of self-condemnation. I know that it isn’t ideal and that God deserves more of my time. I know my life is far richer and I am much stronger the more time I spend with Him.

But what that kiss on the knee reminded me of, is that God takes any and every demonstration of our affection, however small that might seem to us, and it really blesses His heart. He understands when we can’t do more. He doesn’t condemn us. He is in effect sitting in the room, watching over us as we ‘play’, as we get on with our lives, loving us unconditionally. All He asks is that we acknowledge His presence and whisper our love for Him. That we take the moments to place a kiss on His knee. There will be plenty of times for full hugs later and He will be waiting for those too.


Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Healing, Jesus

WALKING THE PATH WITH JESUS

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We have just been blessed with a few days of holiday in a very picturesque part of England. An old stone cottage in the centre of a beautiful Cotswold town was our base. And close by the winding, wilder stretches of the majestic River Thames meandered by.

 I love water. I am always drawn to it. Which is why I probably live by the sea. So whilst we were there I was determined to see the River. Perhaps even to walk beside it, or sit somewhere to enjoy the wildlife, the colourful cruising canal boats, or the fascinating locks and weirs.

Photo of a wide river with green rushes, and nettles along its banks. There is grass and trees in the distance. The sky is blue with white clouds, both are reflected in the river water.

Physically Exhausted

There was a problem, however. A bout of Covid, followed by an intense time running a Writers Retreat, and a resulting exacerbation of my Chronic Fatigue, meant that I was just physically exhausted. So whilst I could enjoy the river views from a moving car, any attempts to get closer to it were thwarted by my incapacity.

On a particular rare sunny afternoon, we decided to try and visit an impressive weir and lock keepers house, noting that it had a nearby car park. We found the car park and we found the path down to the river. It was probably no more than 600 yards between the two, but after I had walked less than a third of the way down that path, I knew my body had reached its limit. Frustrating beyond belief. I stood leaning on a gate as my husband trotted down the path to see if I could get any closer – close enough to perhaps at least see the weir from a distance. But he came back shaking his head. Our plans had been thwarted.

But still blessed

In the car as we drove away we talked about some of the things that my Chronic Fatigue has robbed us of experiencing together over the last 11 or so years. Conversations like that aren’t always helpful. It can soon pull me down, pull both of us down. He too has had to sacrifice much because of my health. And we try not to dwell on the negatives. We are so blessed in so many ways – at least we could drive through stunning countryside and enjoy the Cotswold villages, at least we could visit a quaint delicatessen and buy some edible treats. But walking was just not happening.

God speaks

I was talking to God about this. About my frustration at not being able to do all that I wanted to be able to do. Asking yet again if this was ever going to get better, if we will ever get to live life more fully. These were His words to me,

‘Beloved, the path you are walking with Me is far more important than any physical path. And the views that will open up for you, the things that you will experience with me are much more than you can even imagine.

Child, lean into Me. Trust Me. I will prove Myself faithful. This walk with Me, beloved, this walk is the important one. And if through Your weakness you have come closer to Me, so that you have to hold tightly on to Me as we walk this path together, then that is enough.

I will not leave You behind. You will not miss out. Wait and see all that I have for You.’

Walking the path with Him

I knew then, and I know now, that the path that I have been forced to walk, a path of suffering if you like (although I struggle to call it that, because it has been so blessed), has been so precious.

Photo of a path through a forest of tall trees, with sunlight breaking through the tree tops.
Image courtesy of Canva.com

The things that walking this path with Him have opened up for Me, the things I have learned and experienced, the lives that He has enabled me to touch and encourage. My writing. This writing. New friends, followers, book readers, other writers, and a vision to encourage and promote those writing for Him. All these have come about because of the path God and I are walking together. And the exciting thing is that He promises yet more. More exciting experiences, more open, panoramic views.

And yes, I will be able to walk more physical paths too. For this tiredness, this exhaustion, this too will pass. He that has promised is faithful.

And He wants to walk your path with You too.

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 NKJV

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, The Word of God

CRAWLING UNDER HIS WING TO REST (PSALM 63)

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I have had the absolute privilege and honour to help organise and lead a Retreat for Christian writers this month . Under the umbrella of Kingdom Story Writers, we ran an event for those who believe that they have been called to write by God and for His kingdom. Some were published already, many were just responding to the call on their lives to write. All came with the desire to be informed and encouraged and inspired. I think they left satisfied! From the early feedback the Retreat was all that we had hoped and prayed it would be – and more than we could have imagined.

No choice but to rest

The delegates left more that satisfied, and deeply blessed by God. I left blessed and encouraged but also exhausted. I had fought off a nasty virus the week before the Retreat, and I have Chronic Fatigue, so tiredness is a blight of my life anyway. The resulting exhaustion this week has been so overwhelming that I have been forced to rest. No choice.

But the weariness and weakness is good. I have to keep telling myself! Because that is when you realise your utter dependency on God, and understand just how much you need Him. Just to get through each day!

Psalm 63

Image shows white bird feathers against a black background, with the words 'in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice Psalm 63'

I was meditating on Psalm 63 today, and these words just came. I hope they bless you!

You are my God! I come to you, first, today. Longing for what you can give me, to feed me and satisfy my thirst. To strengthen and empower me.

I come into Your presence, stepping into Your sanctuary, boldly approaching. Stunned by your glory and power, and yet knowing that you embrace me as Your beloved.

You love me so much! And that love is more precious to me than life, more precious than anything that I can do or achieve, even today.

How can I tell You? Show You? I lift up my weary arms. And I offer my humble, little praise. Declaring the wonder of Your Name. And sitting satisfied in the knowledge of all You have done for me. Knowing that every time You come to me, I am fed to fullness.

All today You will be with me. Your power, Your glory, Your lovingkindness sustaining me. I will go to bed tonight knowing that You have helped me, in ways both seen and unseen.

And as I tuck down, I will curl into that place of rest, beneath the umbrella shadow of Your wing. My heart full of joy because I am Yours. My soul will not let go of You. I follow close, clinging on to You.

And You hold my hand and keep me walking, keep me strong. Protecting me always, from those who would pull me down. And from myself and my own self-sufficiency.

Image of a bible opened to the book of Psalms, with the text of Psalm 63:8 from The Passion Translation.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, The Word of God

KISSES THAT MAKE IT BETTER

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My grandson is 3 now, and growing up fast in many ways. It is precious to see that he is still trusting and that life hasn’t yet stolen his innocence from him. He is a mostly quiet and calm child. His play is generally creative and imaginative. But just every now and then he reminds us that he is a boy, with energy in abundance. He will hurtle around the room, or throw things or jump on the furniture, or engage in play fighting. Inevitably this sometimes ends with him hurting himself. A bruised knee or bumped head, a cut or a scrape.

KISSES MAKE IT BETTER

Adorably, when this happens he will come to find me, or his mum or dad, point out the injured area and ask for a kiss to make it better. Invariably, even when there have been tears, a small loving kiss planted on the knee, elbow, head or finger seems to do the job. It makes it better. The tears stop and he is off playing again.

Image shows a photograph of a mother kissing the forehead of a small girl.
Image Courtesy of Canva (Pixabay)

I was thinking about this when God reminded me of a verse in a not often preached about book of the Bible. Song of Solomon is a beautiful piece of poetry, written by an ancient King of Israel, using imagery that is hard for the modern reader to make sense of. But it is so obviously a love song.

GOD’S LOVE SONG

Many believe it is in the Bible to serve as a allegory of the love that Christ, the Bridegroom, has for His Bride, the Church. But I have learned to make the message of that particular love poem personal to me. I even wrote a whole novel based on the way that little book expresses the devoted love that God has for each one of us.

Song of Solomon 1: 2 (NKJV) says this:

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your (His) love is better than wine.

What does that mean? Well, along with many commentators I believe that the ‘kisses of his mouth’ are referring to His words. The kisses God has for us can be found in what He has to say to us. And God has spoken primarily to us through His Word, the Bible. Now I know that this isn’t the only way that God speaks to us, but it is the main way. Even when we think we have heard God speak in other ways we always need to test what we have heard against the truth of His written word. His words are so full of love and encouragement.

KISSES THAT MAKE IT BETTER?

Kisses from God’s mouth make it better? Yes. My testimony is just that. For some time now I have lived with a condition that limits my physical abilities and restricts my energy. I have had times where I have felt emotionally bombarded, and anxiety and fear have threatened to take hold.

Like many people, life also has its challenges beyond just my personal ones. Family, friends, circumstances, even the things happening in the world around me. Loss, broken relationships, the pain my loved ones are having to go through. All these things have the power to hurt or wound me. But I have found that the Kisses of His mouth have the power to make it better.

Image shows a photograph of an open Bible resting on the corner of a balcony rail, with a misted out landscape behind it, all bathed in bright sunlight.
Image courtesy of Canva

HIS LIFE- BREATHED WORDS

When I am struggling, hurting, confused, fearful, lacking in strength, I have learnt to go to the Bible. I go to His life-breathed Word. I open my heart and I open my spiritual ears, and as I read scripture I can feel His life breath restoring me. Sometimes what I read speaks directly to the way I am feeling, and immediately offers its healing balm. Other times, the words on the page don’t seem to have anything to do with what I am going through. But still, in reading them, I feel strengthened and encouraged. I am reminded over and over again of how great God is, how powerful He is, how interested He is in me, and most importantly how much He loves me.

At a time in my life when I could not find healing anywhere else, I turned to His Word and He met me there. His kisses made it better.

LOVE KISSES MAKE IT BETTER

Now my grandson wouldn’t go to just anyone to ask for his healing kisses. He goes to someone that he knows loves him, that he trusts, someone who won’t laugh at him or turn him away. God doesn’t want us to look to ‘wine’ (the pleasures of this world) when His love for us is a much safer thing for us. Those things might numb the pain we are feeling, but His words have the power to heal us deeply.

When you are hurting, can I encourage you to turn to the One who loves you
so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for you? Bring your hurts to
Him. He is trustworthy. He knows everything about you and He cares about your
pain. He has the power to heal your hurts, and is waiting to make them better.

And He has graciously provided us with a whole book full of His love kisses.
Let him smother me with kisses—his Spirit-kiss divine. So kind are your caresses, I drink them in like the sweetest wine! Song of Solomon 1:2 The Passion Translation

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian Writer, Devotional thought

S.O.S. PRAYER AND A SHOPPING TROLLEY

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In church a couple of weeks ago we were looking at the story of Nehemiah. One of the things that stood out to me was how used to talking to God Nehemiah was.

TURNING TO GOD

Nehemiah turned to God when his heart broke at the news from Jerusalem, of broken walls and broken people. He fasts and prays and pours out his heart to God (Neh 1:4-10). But he doesn’t restrict Himself to praying in the secret place. He has to stand before the great King Artaxerxes, one of the most powerful and feared of the Persian kings, knowing that to voice the reason for his sadness might cost him his life. But the King listens to him, and then remarkably asks what he can do to help. And Nehemiah prays. This isn’t a long and eloquent prayer, it is not recorded what he even says. It was most likely a heart whisper – ‘Help me, Lord. Give me favour. Tell me what to say’.

Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”

So I prayed to the God of heaven. Neh 2:4

Image is a painting of Nehemiah the cupbearer standing before a King on a throne

THE S.O.S. PRAYER

Nehemiah was a man of prayer. He knew God would hear him and help him. And He did.

I wonder if you have found yourself in the situation where all you could do was pray? Send up an S.O.S. emergency call to God. Perhaps you have found yourself in the place of fear, anxiety or overwhelm? Perhaps someone has asked you a question about your faith and you don’t know how to answer. Jesus definitely promised help on that one Mark 13:11). I have been in that place, many times. When time is short, and I can’t get on my knees, can’t even voice a prayer out loud, but know that I God will hear my S.O.S.

THE SHOPPING TROLLEY

Sarah* is a friend of mine and told us a great story recently. She had taken her elderly mother to a supermarket to get some groceries. As they entered the store they encountered two men who were facing off. Both were angry and vile words were being exchanged. Aggression hung in the air, and the situation looked likely to escalate into physical violence at any point. Shoppers hurriedly gave them a wide berth and security was called for. But Sarah decided to do something. She prayed in the Spirit. And then, she told us, something came over her and she did something she would never had courage to do in and of herself. She took her shopping trolley and headed straight for the warring couple. With polite cries of ‘excuse me, coming through’ she literally pushed her trolley between the two men. Shocked at her audacity, the men jumped apart from each other, and were dragged away by their wives. By the time store security arrived the two men had walked away from the confrontation. Sarah said she had initially thought about trying to talk them down, but realised afterwards that she might have put herself in danger in doing so. Instead, she prayed, and God gave her another strategy. Distraction tactics.

Photographic image of a shopping trolley and supermarket shelves
Image courtesy of Canva

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I loved this story. I love my times of alone prayer with God, but I wonder how often I miss the opportunity to make a difference in the world around me, by not just praying those quick ‘what shall I do?’ or ’help me!’ prayers. I would love to be continually in communication with my Father in heaven, but life gets in the way. He understands. It is a comfort to know that He is just a prayer away, and that He hears, even our rapid heart cries, when we need His help for ourselves. But inspired by Sarah, and by Nehemiah, I am going to try to be more intentional to use my S.O.S. prayers to make a difference in others lives too.

*not her real name

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian blog, Christian faith, Devotional thought, The Word of God

FIGHTING THE LOVE THAT HOLDS US

joymargetts

This last week we celebrated our beautiful Granddaughter’s first birthday. It was a special time, full of love and full of fun. Naturally I love my grandchildren, and love being with them, and I love what they keep teaching me. Any of you who have read my posts over the last few months will know that God often uses my relationship with my grandchildren to teach me about Himself, and myself, and how we relate to each other.

Photo of a birthday cake with white icing and flowers and a sign saying 'One'. The cake is sitting on a table covered with a white tablecloth, and is surrounded by vases of flowers and plates of cakes.

FIGHTING THE EMBRACE

My little granddaughter is different to our grandson. She is much more timid, and wary. Because her Mummy didn’t go back to work after having her, she has spent less time with us, and she is not so happy to leave her Mummy and come to me. We are working on that, and we have had some lovely play times together, but Mummy is never too far away. That does mean that Mummy doesn’t get much opportunity to do some of the things she loves doing, without her little limpet.

On Sundays though, Nanna has to help out, as Mummy is part of the worship band and loves to sing. So Nanna takes the limpet away from Mummy and much crying ensues. But I have worked out that if I hold her very tightly across my chest, with her hands held firmly and tightly, as she struggles. And once I have her held, if I walk up and down, and sing, eventually she will give up and give in to sleep. (I do take her out of the main church sanctuary and into a side room!) We have usually timed it so that Mummy has fed her and she is ready for a nap.

HELD BY LOVING ARMS

Last week she fell asleep in my arms like this. I love it, even though it is a bit of a fight, at least I get to hold her. And while I am holding her, I am whispering to her that I love her, and that she is safe with me, and that she doesn’t have to be upset. And I am praying that she would realise how much I love her and begin to trust me more, so that she wants to come to me and stay with me. And that Mummy can have more time to herself.

A few days later in my time with God He reminded me of this, and this is what I felt Him say to me,

Sometimes you are like that with me, Joy. You refuse to let me just hold you and love you. You let fear and doubt get in, and you might even feel like you can’t trust me. I tell you that I love you, and that you are safe with me, and yet still you fight against my embrace. You want to push away from Me, not realising that I love you just as you are. My safe strong arms are just there to hold you, and my heart sings over you.  If you would just give in and trust me, then you can rest, and we can enjoy just being together. We might even have fun!

LET LOVE HOLD US

I knew Just what God was saying. He has promised to always hold us, to care for us, to protect us, but He also wants something of us in return. He wants our complete trust, our willingness to surrender ourselves into His arms, to trust His ways as being best for us. Sometimes our fears, anxiety and even doubts can make us fight against His loving arms. When all He wants is for us to relax and let Him hold us. We can forget how much He loves us, forget how much we need Him, think we’d be better off without Him. We even think that the mistakes we make put Him off.

Image of a small child being held in a woman's arms
Photo courtesy of Canva

But He has promised to never leave or forsake us, whatever we do (Hebrews 13:5). He has promised to carry us close to His heart (Isaiah 40:11). His arms are everlasting, strong and constant (Deuteronomy 33:27). He loves us and wants us to trust ourselves to Him, just as a small child trusts their mother (Psalm 131:2). Or in my case, their grandmother!

And He wants us not to fight against the powerful, all sufficient, never-ending Love that holds us.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian blog, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, The Word of God

THE STAIN THAT ONLY I CAN SEE  (FORGIVING MYSELF)

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BAD AT LAUNDRY?

I’m not very good at doing the laundry (or washing as we call it). I collect the dirty clothes, and throw them into the washing machine, sometimes remembering to empty the pockets first. I select the program (one of two, despite the fact that the machine has about 12), tip in the detergent, and press start. I rarely pre-soak items, or pre-treat stains. Which is why I don’t think I am very good at laundry. Despite all the claims of the detergent ads, my washed clothes often still come out of the machine bearing stains. My excuse is that my physical limitations mean that I often don’t have the energy to do more when it comes to the laundry. That my family get clean (and sometimes even ironed) clothes in exchange for their dirty ones, is an achievement in itself.

Image shows a hand reaching into on open washing machine to remove items of laundry

EFFECTIVE STAIN REMOVAL

So why am I talking about washing out stains in a devotional blog? Actually the link to what scripture says is perhaps quite obvious. Isaiah tells us that God takes our filthy rags, our scarlet stains, and makes them white as snow (Isaiah 64:6, Isaiah 1:18). We are washed, made clean, completely clean, in the precious blood of Jesus. Our sins stains are removed completely. That is a wonderful truth, but it struck me that sometimes we fail to live in the truth that our sins are completely and eternally forgiven. That they are gone, leaving no mark behind.

STAINS THAT ONLY I CAN SEE

I was thinking about this the other day when dejectedly examining another favourite top that had come through the wash still bearing the fat stains from a spitting frying pan (I’m not good at wearing an apron in the kitchen either!) Actually, I decided, those stains were small enough that nobody but me would probably notice them. Especially if I wore a strategically placed scarf.

You see I think we look at ourselves sometimes, knowing that we have been cleansed and forgiven by God, and insist on seeing stains still. Those stains that no-one else sees, but we know are there. Stains of secret shame, unforgiveness towards ourselves, disappointment in the choices we might have made in the past. The sheer inability to forget what God has already forgiven.

FORGIVING OURSELVES

In my novel, The Pilgrim, I explored the whole subject of how living with shame, and not being able to forgive yourself, can become like a heavy burden, a yoke around our necks. My central character, Brother Hywel, has come to the cross, repented and found forgiveness from God, but he needs to take a step further. There are things he has done in his past that he is so ashamed of that he can’t let go of the guilt. It is the story of another character’s inner healing that speaks truth into Hywel’s life.

Image of front cover of the book The Pilgrim by Joy Margetts

‘I realised that I too was still punishing myself, in my mind at least. I knew God had forgiven me, but I had not been able to forgive myself, brother. That is what weighed me down. As I laid down to sleep I prayed earnestly that God would give me the grace to forgive myself, and to perhaps see myself as worthy to be loved by Him. I asked Him to take away that final part of the burden that I was still choosing to carry.‘

PERFECTLY STAIN FREE

Romans 8:1 tells us

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

If we belong to Christ, then we are no longer condemned. Every stain is gone. If God does not condemn me, than neither should I condemn myself. There is a call to walk according to His Spirit, to not knowingly sin of course. And we need to be truly repentant for our mistakes. But once we have come to the Cross and received His forgiveness, it is a done deal. Accepting and receiving God’s forgiveness in all of its fullness means letting go of our guilt and self-condemnation once and for all. The stain is gone. He no longer sees it, and I don’t need to go looking for it.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, The Word of God

AT HOME IN GOD’S PRESENCE

joymargetts

A few days ago I was reading Psalm 100. For many it is well known praise Psalm, one that is read often in our church gatherings. We are encouraged to come into His presence joyfully, to enter His gates with thanksgiving, because we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

Test of Psalm 100 on a background of a evening beach scene.

SINGING IN GOD’S PRESENCE

There was one line of the Psalm that stood out to me, ‘Come into His presence with singing’. I love singing, especially when together with other Christians worshipping. I’m not so good at singing at home, much too self conscious. But then this Psalm seems to be asking us to come to Him with a song, whenever we are seeking to be close to Him, in church, or at home.

SINGING THE WRONG WORDS?

My grandson is almost 3, his language is coming on fast, and he loves to sing. The other evening I was putting him to bed. We had gone through the routine of milk, pyjamas, and stories, and I had him all tucked up in his bed. He was adamant that I stayed for a bit. ‘Nana, sit here’ he said, and pointed to a spot between his bed and a chest of drawers that was impossible for me to wedge my adult frame into. I got as close as I could, shifting my tired old body until he was satisfied with my position. I sat with him in the semi darkness, resting my head on the side of his bed, so blessed to be able to be with him for those few moments as he put himself to sleep.

And then he started singing,

‘Twinkle, Twinkle, ‘ittle STAR. How I , how I, (mumble) ARE.’

It didn’t matter that he got the words wrong. He wasn’t at all self conscious about singing in my presence. He was happy and secure, and just singing because he loves it. I smiled silently as he finished the verse and then started it all over again. His own version that made no real sense. And the wave of love I felt for him almost overwhelmed me.

Photo showing the silhouette of a small boy hiding behind a curtain.

HE LOVES OUR PRESENCE

It made me ponder. How often do we come to God self-conscious? Maybe we have said or done, or thought, something we are ashamed of. Maybe we think we have to behave, or speak, a certain way in God’s presence. But the truth is that God is always there, and sees and knows us intimately. Not only in the moments when we purpose to meet with Him. He sees our thoughts and knows the words on our tongues even before we speak.(Psalm 139:1-4)

I got the sense so strongly that the way my grandson was with me, was how God loves us to be with Him. Just aware that He is with us. So secure in His love for us, that it doesn’t matter if we get our words wrong when we speak, or sing, to Him. He just loves to sit with us and listen to us. When we direct our words or songs to Him, it just delights Him so much.

SING IN HIS PRESENCE

We may have to say sorry, and He does want us to be free of shame. We may have to ask for forgiveness, which is always freely ours (1 John 1:9). But in those sweet moments when it is just us and Him, He wants us just to be ourselves. He is gazing on adoringly. Reaching out to hold our hand, and whispering to us how much He loves us.

So come into His presence singing! And come with praise and thanksgiving as the Psalmist tells us to. Or if you still prefer not to sing, then speak, or whisper, or talk to Him in your heart. Don’t worry if you don’t think you have the words right. Don’t be so self-conscious that you miss out on the beautiful rest of knowing just how much He loves you and loves being with you.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here