The Word of God Archives

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Healing, Jesus, The Word of God

HOLDING ON WHEN GOD WANTS US TO LET GO

July 28, 2026July 27, 2026 joymargetts

I have been reminded today about how we so easily hold on to shame, to pain, to negative emotions. We can even let those things define us, or at the very least, steal our peace.

A woman anoints Jesus

I was reading the account of the woman who came and anointed Jesus with her tears and precious oil, whilst He was reclining at table in Simon the Pharisee’s house. (Luke 7:36-50) As I read I saw something that I hadn’t seen before. She, a known sinner, had come weeping and broken, to lavish her adoration on Jesus. He perceived Simon’s judgement of her and told a parable about two debtors, one who owned a much larger amount than the other. Which, He asked Simon, when forgiven their debt, would love the one who forgave them more? The one who owed more, he replied.

Jesus implied that the woman pouring out her love on Him, did so because she knew how much she had been forgiven. And yet it isn’t until after she has anointed Him that He turns to her and says the words, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’

Confused

I was confused. Was this woman’s act one of repentance – or one of gratitude? Did she come broken and weeping because she knew she needed forgiveness, or with tears of joy because she knew she had been forgiven?

So, I asked God about it.

The answer He gave made perfect sense. She came both repentant and thankful. She knew Jesus could forgive her, had forgiven her, but she was still sorrowful over her sin. He spoke forgiveness over her again – not just as a witness to those listening, but as a public reassurance that she was indeed free from her past. Her faith in Him had done it all – she could go in peace. She needed to accept what He had done for her.

A dog with a toy

Shame can bring such brokenness into our lives. Our sin choices can leave us thinking less of ourselves, despising ourselves even. Pain can cling to us – perhaps because of things done to us, or things we have had to endure. Offense, unforgiveness, trauma. These things can steal our peace.

As I was thinking and praying through these things, my dog was trying to get my attention. Now she is very cute, and we love her dearly, so of course I welcomed her into my space. She brought with her a battered squeaky toy in the shape of a gingerbread man – one of her favourite playthings. A game ensued. She handed it to me but wouldn’t let it go. We had to do a bit of tug o’ war before she would relinquish it, and then I would throw it some distance away. Immediately she dashed over and picked it up, bringing it back to me, and starting the whole process over again. Playful tugging and pulling, finally giving up, waiting for me to throw it, and then retrieving it and bringing it back.

Reluctant to let go

I realise God had given me the perfect illustration. Sometimes we come to Him with our burdens, the things we know we would like to be free of. We come in trust and love, but as He reaches out to take them from us, we instinctively grab on tightly and tug them back. Finally, He persuades us to release them and He throws them away. But we can’t help ourselves – we go running after them and take hold of them again. When He just wants us to leave them where He threw them!

I think this particularly applies to guilt and shame. Maybe, like that woman in Luke 7, we can’t quite believe that God’s mercy and grace are so vast that we can be forgiven, however great our sin. Perhaps we feel so undeserving of His forgiveness that we struggle to fully accept it. Holding onto shame feels right, because it reminds us of how unworthy we are, and how perfectly good He is.

But that is not what He wants for us. It wasn’t what Jesus wanted for that woman. He wanted her to walk out of the room knowing that she was free, cleansed, made perfect and whole, because of her faith in Him. He wanted her to be at peace – in the depths of her soul, and to go on living in that peace.

What am I holding on to?

So I wonder if this speaks to you, as it has to me?

What am I holding on to that God wants me to give over to Him?

Is it shame, or some other painful thing? A burden that I carry because I feel I deserve it?

He whispers,

‘Give it to me. It is done. Let it go. Go in peace.’

image shows a frame surrounded by flowers on a pink background. Within the frame are the words of 2 Corinthians 5 verse 17.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her heart is to share God’s heart for the broken; His love that pursues us, truth that frees us and hope that heals us. Her novels are set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, and tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. She has also published two devotionals based on the person and work of Jesus.

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

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

EXPECTATION OR EXPECTANCY: TRUSTING GOD TO KEEP HIS PROMISES

July 11, 2026July 10, 2026 joymargetts

Living in Expectation

A few days ago I read the passage in Luke’s gospel where it talks about the commencement of John the Baptist’s ministry. John soon gathered a following. People were curious about him, could he be the promised Messiah? Of course, when questioned, John puts them right. He tells them he is not worthy to even tie the sandals of the one who is coming after him.

But it was this line in Luke 3:15 that stood out to me,

‘the people were in expectation’

There were very many people in that time living in a state of expectation. They were longing for the fulfilment of God’s promise of the coming deliverer. On the lookout for Him. Hopeful. Excited. Expectant.

Expectancy, not Expectation

It reminded me of a time when God spoke really clearly to me.

I live with a chronic debilitating health condition, one that appeared suddenly, without warning, and altered my life completely. I believe in a healing God. That is my reason for writing, for sharing my stories. I believe God sees us in our brokenness and wants to bring restoration into our lives. Not long after I was diagnosed, He gave me a promise, that He would rebuild and restore my life (Jeremiah 31:4). I have clung to that promise ever since.

But you see, when we are waiting on the fulfilment of a promise, sometimes it is easy to expect God to work in a certain way. For me, I craved full, instantaneous, miraculous physical healing. Anything less, and could I be sure that it was God?

He spoke very gently to me. I want you to wait with expectancy, not expectation.

The Difference…

There is a difference. Let me try and explain it using my gorgeous grandchildren as an example.

When they come to Nana’s house, they come knowing that they are going to be loved, fed and cared for. There is an expectancy that we will look after them, and that they will be safe with us. However, they also come with expectation. They expect a certain flavour cordial, with a specific brand of biscuit, as they arrive. They expect that we will have meat pasta (Bolognese) for dinner, followed by ice-cream. They expect a bath and song videos before they go home. When we change things, it isn’t always met with their approval! Except the cold water hose shower instead of the bath last week when the weather was very warm… they loved that. Now they will probably expect that every time they come … even when the weather is dull and cool and it isn’t a good idea!

We pander a bit to them, because we adore them, and it isn’t hard to do so. We also accept that they are young and not mature enough always to accept doing things differently.

Expecting things of God

It is the same with us. God is such a loving, kind, generous parent. He knows what we like, what makes us happy, but sometimes those things are not the best for us. It is all too easy to come to Him expecting Him to do things the way we want Him too. Or the way we have seen Him do it before. Or in someone else’s life.

It is not wrong to remind Him of His promises, often, in fact that is a really good thing to do – the Psalmists did it all the time. It is just wrong to fix our hearts and minds on what we think the fulfilment of the promise will look like.

The people of Jesus’ time lived with expectation. We know, because we know the rest of the story, that for many of them their expectations of who the Messiah was going to be, and what He was going to do, were not met in Jesus. He was a disappointment to them.

Expectancy

Expectancy is different. Expectancy says… I believe in a God who keeps His promises, and I trust Him to do what He knows is best for me.

Living in expectancy means living in faith. Trusting God’s Word and His character. Trusting His love for us. Trusting His wisdom and omnipotence.

Living in expectancy means living in hope. Fully believing that God will do all that He has promised, and finding a place of peace and joy, in the waiting.

Living in expectancy means living in excitement of what God is going to do and being ready to embrace it with gratitude when He does, whatever it looks like.

He is not done yet

Has God kept His promise to me? Yes, and it is ongoing. I have received a measure of healing, but it has been gradual and gentle, with a few bumps along the way. Is He done yet? No, I don’t believe He is finished with my restoration. I am still holding fast to His promises. But as I do, I am asking for His grace to keep waiting with expectancy, with an trusting heart, open to however He chooses to fulfil those in my life, and not with narrow minded expectation.

How about you?

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

Bible, Book Review, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

DWELLING IN THE PSALMS

June 24, 2026June 24, 2026 joymargetts

Every now and then you come across a book that just blesses your socks off!

I love the Psalms. For years now, and during some of the toughest seasons of my life, I have gone to the Psalms daily. They are a place of refuge, of comfort and of encouragement. Maybe it is because I am a writer, and love putting my feelings into words, that I can equate so much with the honest outpourings of the psalmists. In their words, their cries of despair, their shouts of praise, their quiet whispers of trust, I can hear my own words.

God can handle our messiness

I have learned that God can take the messiness of our internal strivings. He wants to hear our hearts, in all their rawness. And as we pour out on Him, He responds with kindness. He reassures us of who He is, who we are in Him, the security and safety we can find in trusting Him, His faithfulness to hear and answer our cries, to satisfy our longings. He reminds us of the power of worship, that we are created to rise above it all and praise Him continually. He declares how vital His Word is to joy-filled living, how His ways are always the best ways to walk, how His promises stand over our lives, and how quick He is to show us mercy when we fail Him. He does all of that in the Psalms.

Dwelling in the Psalms

Wandering past a bookstall at a writer’s event a few weeks ago, I was drawn to pick up a copy of ‘Dwelling in the Psalms’ by Pat Marsh. After all, that described what I had been practicing for years. The book is subtitled ‘A Healing Journey’ and I knew the truth of that. I know I have found healing for my soul in the Psalms. I bought the book and brought it home.

I honestly didn’t know how much this book would bless me!

Because I have read the Psalms for years, many of them are familiar. Even too familiar, if you understand what I mean. Nice words, easy to remember, read at important events, or to start a worship service. What Pat does is make you stop and pause and sit, dwell, in the actual words of each Psalm. To think about what they are saying to you personally, and pray for God to make those truths real to you.

God speaks

For each Psalm, the author takes you through four stages. First she selects a few verses to focus on, then she gives her own interpretation of what the Psalm is saying. Then you are invited into a reflection to make you think deeper, followed by the words of a prayer in response.

What I love about this, is that on any given day God will use a different aspect of the study to speak to me. Sometimes it is Pat’s interpretation – putting the Psalm into her own words, sometimes it is the reflection, often it is the prayer.

An example

Let me give you an example from a familiar Psalm, by sharing snippets of what the author writes about it.

Interpretation: ‘In the uncertain terrain of life where dangers lurk at every bend and good grazing is sparse, the Good Shepherd watches over His flock, guides and protects them… His goodness and love pursues them relentlessly…and leads them tenderly to the quiet living waters where they may flourish in peace.’

Reflection: ‘Shepherding in biblical times… was a demanding and vital role: without the constant care and protection of the shepherd, the sheep would not survive’, ‘the Shepherd God: a fearsome protector who will guide us through whatever real or imagined dangers that threaten us…’

Prayer: ‘When I cannot see the way, Lord show me. When I thirst for more of You, fill me. And when tiredness overwhelms me, give me the quiet rest of a peaceful heart.’

This beautiful book has so blessed me, can I encourage you to get a copy for yourself!

Dwelling in the Psalms, A Healing Journey, by Pat Marsh.

Published by Kevin Mayhew RRP £9.95 -£15.95

Available to purchase direct from author here

Direct from publisher Eden books Amazon

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. She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

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

Shared DNA of family and faith

June 14, 2026June 13, 2026 joymargetts

We have recently experienced growth in our little home-based business – that is – we are now regularly looking after all three of our grandchildren at once. We have been anticipating the growth for a while, and now that it is a reality we have been surprised at how well we have coped – mostly!

Shared DNA but different

Our three grandchildren are very different, despite their shared DNA. They are different ages, at different stages of development, and different in their interests and abilities. The eldest is 5, intelligent, inquisitive, quick to learn, loves spending hours drawing and colouring, is very precise and exact, enjoys being outdoors whenever he can. The middle one is less precise and exact, especially with her colouring. She can flit from thing to thing, doesn’t really appreciate the outdoors as much, loves playing shops, or babies, dances and sings with abandon. A true free spirit. The youngest – well he is nearly 1 and we don’t know exactly what he likes most – except food, and music videos – and being with his siblings.

A place of familiarity and safety

Last time they were all here, our usually content youngest was not so happy. We had tried to get him to have his well needed afternoon sleep, and it hadn’t gone to plan. He was grouchy and upset and cried the most we have ever heard him. Walking him around didn’t help, proffered snacks didn’t help, cuddles didn’t help, until I carried him back into the lounge where his brother and sister were busy playing together. The minute he saw them he stopped crying. We put on a music video and he went to sleep. He just wanted to be with his siblings.

Image is phot of a baby crawling through an open doorway

It got me thinking about the power of shared DNA. Of course it isn’t just genetics that binds our three grandchildren together. They are family; they live together, play together, have meals together, have the same parents. Being together is a place of familiarity and safety for them. They love each other very much.

Out of church

My husband and I have been out of church for a while. It wasn’t something we had anticipated or wanted. It was just something that happened, and with it came grief, pain and hurt. We were both brought up in the church; I am a Pastor’s kid, he the son of an Elder. We loved church and all it meant. We had given our lives to serving it. Being out of church was tough, but it was also necessary. God used those months to do a healing work in both of us. But we missed the community, the shared experiences of God, the social aspects of church. We missed our brothers and sisters.

A new family

Just recently God has led us to be a part of a new church fellowship. It is already feeling safe, and loving and joyous. We find ourselves back in a family, and it feels good. God’s heart has always been for family, both physical and spiritual. He knows we need each other to truly grow and thrive.

Are we all the same? No of course not. We are a group of people with very different personalities, giftings, levels of spiritual maturity. Will we always agree about everything? Probably not. My grandchildren certainly don’t play nicely together all the time. But they still love each other and want to be together.

A more powerful shared DNA

The shared DNA that I have with my church family is so much more powerful than human genetics. We have all been adopted into God’s family through the blood of Jesus. We all have His Spirit living in us. We share Him. We also share a vision that He has independently put on our hearts for what church might look like, and how it could impact our community.

Image of a three people standing together, the hands on each others shoulders. inside a church — Image courtesy of Canva

I am glad to be back in church. I know that maintaining unity will sometimes be a battle. I believe that it will be worth it though. My brothers and sisters are precious to me, and I want them to always feel safe with me, and I with them. God has given this family to me, and calls me to love them, bear with them, forgive them, encourage them, and be thankful for them. God grant me the grace to do all that.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3: 12-17

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

WHEN BEING TIRED IS NOT AN EXCUSE

May 21, 2026May 29, 2026 joymargetts

Is being tired an excuse?

We regularly have our grandchildren over. One day a week we pick them up from school, keep them through dinner time, bath them, and then take them back to be put to bed at home. We love it, however exhausting it can be. They seem to enjoy spending that time at our house, with us, too.

Last week they (aged 5 and 3 years) weren’t playing together very nicely. Both of them, at some point, were less than well behaved. There were tears. In exasperation I asked, ‘Why are you both being so naughty today?’

The reply, from the 5-year-old, was swift.

‘Because we are both tired.’

Inwardly I smiled, as I thought about how quickly children pick up on what adults say about them, or to them. He wasn’t wrong. They were both tired after a day of school. We know that when they are tired, they are less able to regulate their emotions, or their behaviour.

My reply, however, has stayed with me since.

‘Well, Nanna is tired, and she isn’t being naughty!’

Image shows two small children sitting in an old aircraft cabin, smiling at photo taker.

When I am tired…

Later, having had time to think about it, I realised that in fact I too can be less than well behaved when I am tired. It is when I am tired that I don’t react well, say things that are unthinking, or just plain unkind. Usually to the ones I love most. When I am tired, I am more likely to look for comfort in things that don’t actually do me any good. I might watch something on the TV, or read something online, that is escapist, but not helpful. When I am tired, I forget how much I have to be grateful for, and focus on the negatives in my life. When I am tired… I make excuses for myself.

I was talking to God about this because I don’t like it. I don’t like letting myself down, or letting Him down, or letting others down, even when I am tired. I am not a perfect person by any means, but I do know the difference between right and wrong, and usually I can make good choices. I also know that He is doing a sanctifying work in me. He is good at pointing out things that need to change in my character and giving me the grace to repent and do better. I want to be the person He is making me to be, even when I am tired!

An explanation but not an excuse…

What He showed me is that being tired is not actually an acceptable excuse for saying or doing things that hurt others or myself. It wasn’t an excuse for my grandchildren. It was an explanation. The two things are different. Being tired might explain why behaviour is not optimal, but it isn’t an excuse. At least it shouldn’t be.

My grandchildren also know the difference between right and wrong. They are perceptive enough to know when their behaviour is not great. Usually, they are good at doing and saying the right things, but they are still young. They still have much to learn about what can be excused, due to tiredness or any other stressors, and what cannot be. We can make allowances for their immaturity.

I am a lot more mature than they. In years anyway! I have had a lifetime of walking with Jesus, and He has done some beautiful work in refining my character over the years. I know what His standards are, as set out in His Word, and I try to live by them, with His help. Yet still I can slip up, particularly when overtired or stressed.

There is still work to be done…

I heard Him whisper to my soul.

Beloved, I know your struggles and your disappointment with yourself. I know how tiredness can affect you, and I understand. I just ask you to be aware of this, of how you can slip back into unhealthy ways, when you are tired. Not to use tiredness as an excuse, but see it for what it is, a weakening of your defences, an opening for the flesh or the enemy to creep in.

I love you, just as you still love your grandchildren, even when they don’t behave as well as you know they can. You can see their bad behaviour and understand the reasons for it. You see them as needing to grow and develop in their awareness of what is and isn’t acceptable. I am not done with you, my child. When tiredness causes you to slip up, that is revealing the areas of your heart where there is still some refining work to be done. Don’t become disheartened, just bring those things to Me and we can work on them together.

Image shows a white cloud in the shape of a heart, on a blue sky background. Text reads 'Above all else. guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4: 23

Bible, Christian blog, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? (the power of words)

April 21, 2026May 20, 2026 joymargetts

What are you saying?

Do you ever get the feeling God is trying to tell you something? Perhaps you only really get it when He uses several different sources to say the same thing? I guess when He does speak this way, then you really need to take notice, and respond appropriately.

My grandson’s ‘naughty’ words

My grandson is almost 5, and being at school every day he has picked up some unwelcome habits. One of these is to take great pleasure in using ‘naughty’ words. Now I am not talking expletives here, more ‘toilet humour’ – a fascination with certain body parts and functions. Funny more than shocking, to him particularly. And generally used for effect – most noticeably to get our attention, or wind us up.

Sitting at the dinner table last week he suddenly started saying such words, on repeat. I admonished him gently, as did his grandfather – we know his parents are trying to discourage the behaviour. He persisted – so I went into bargaining mode. If he wanted an icecream after he had eaten his pasta, he needed to stop using words that weren’t nice. He reacted to that by placing his hands over his mouth, his eyes grinning.

‘It’s hard not to say it,’ he said, through his fingers

‘Why not try saying something nice instead? I replied. ‘Like ‘thank you for my dinner, Nana’, or ‘I love you Nana’’?

He proceeded to say both, really sweetly and genuinely. It was a precious moment – especially when he continued to tell his grandad that he loved him too, and his sister – a bit more reluctantly. Hearing those words from his lips was just lovely.

Photo of a young boy exploring a full size model of an aeroplane

Be careful what you say

A few days before this, we were visited by some dear friends, both of whom hear God and love to share what He is saying. Whilst praying with us before they left, one of them looked at me pointedly and said, ‘I think that God is telling you to be careful what you say over yourself.’

I pondered on this. I do have a tendency to speak negatively about myself, especially because I live with a long-term debilitating health condition. It is all too easy to label myself; ‘I am always tired’. Or to complain about my limitations; ‘I hate that I can’t…’ Unfortunately, I do also have a tendency to talk about my circumstances in a negative way, or even about other people who have made my life difficult.

I knew God had a point. I resolved to do better.

God takes what we say seriously

And then today I read from Matthew’s gospel, chapter 12 v 33 -37. Jesus’ words struck me again – what we say is really important – what we let come out of our mouths comes from the overflow of what is in our hearts. That is a sobering thought.

‘For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ v 34

‘A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things’ v35

Jesus also warns about idle, careless, fruitless words in these verses. He takes what we say very seriously.

What we say reflects what is in our heart. So, when I label myself, complain or moan – is that how I really feel? Does that reflect a lack of faith in God’s ability to heal and help me, to provide for me, to give good things? Is that the position of my heart or am I just not thinking about what I am saying in the moment? Worth thinking about.

What we say has power

‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue’ Prov 18:21 tells us.

I know that our words have power.

God’s word spoke creation into being. His Living Word (Jesus) brought salvation into the world. With a word Jesus could still a storm, heal, bring the dead back to life. We are made in His image, and temples of His Spirit, and what we say can change things – for good or bad.

Image shows a woman holding both hands over her mouth

What am I saying?

God repeating His message to me has reminded me that what I say can affect things. It can affect my own faith, it can affect the faith of others, it can even invite the enemy in.

‘Why not say something nice?’

What a difference it would make if I chose to always speak life over myself and my circumstances. Or speak encouragement, truth, love into the lives of others.

Perhaps there are times when I just need to stop speaking, put my hands over my mouth, and whisper through my fingers, ‘It is hard, God.’

I think He knows.

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

GOD CAN HANDLE OUR QUESTIONS WHY

March 22, 2026March 21, 2026 joymargetts

My eldest grandson comes to play at Nanna’s house with his younger sister at least once a week. They love coming. They love the toys, the snacks, our garden, and our company. This last week they came as usual, but things were a bit different. Having injured my back and being still in recovery mode, I was not as active as I usually am. I couldn’t get down on the floor to play or join in kicking the ball in the garden. I was cautious and careful and less present. Our boy must have picked up on this. As the time came for last cuddles before we took them home, he came bounding over, and as he usually does, proceeded to try and climb up onto my lap. That was too much for my poor aching body, and I gently repositioned him to sit beside me on the sofa instead.

‘Oh Nana,’ he said with exasperation. ‘Why do you have to be so old?’

Frustration

Now I could have taken offense. I am in fact the youngest of all four of his grandparents – by some way! But in that moment, I did actually feel old. The pain in my back and legs has left me hobbling and exhausted, acting older. He wasn’t wrong.

I could have been angry at his disrespect. I dare say if his parents had been there a rebuke would have followed. But instead, I smiled, laughing to myself. He wasn’t being rude; he was just as frustrated as I was that we couldn’t have our usual cuddle and voiced it in a way that made sense to him.

I don’t think he was expecting me to answer either.

As I drew him closer and tucked a cosy blanket around him, he leaned into me as we watched a favourite video together. I knew he wasn’t really upset with me, just with the circumstances. He still loved me and knew that I loved him.

Photo of two small children sitting on a rug in the garden with a grandparent

Asking God ‘why?’

As I have been mulling over this little incident, God has been speaking.

How many times have I asked God ‘why?’. How many times have accusations against Him popped into my mind? When things happen that I don’t like, or don’t understand. When He doesn’t seem to be answering my prayers, or responding in the way I want Him to? Even in the last few weeks where the back pain has limited what I can do, made me feel really low, gone on longer than I hoped. When people have been praying for my healing, and it hasn’t seemed to have made any difference. There have been times when the temptation to blurt out my exasperation at God has found voice.

Psalm 22

I love the Psalms, because the Psalmist is so human. So many times we hear him ask questions of God and be honest about his feelings. This last week I read Psalm 22 again. It is well known to be the Psalm that foretells much of Christ’s suffering on the cross. Jesus quoted from it as He hung in agony,

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?

The Psalm talks of intense human pain, but it is not all negative. In fact, the verses describing suffering are interspersed with ‘buts’ as the Psalmist reminds us, and himself, of the character and faithfulness of God.

But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in You;

But You are He who took Me out of the womb;

From My mother’s womb
You have been My God.

And it ends with a celebration of answered prayer,

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard.

Image of a Bible open to the book of Psalms

God can handle it

Now I would not dare to compare my back pain to the suffering that Christ endured, but I do take comfort from His Word. I have endured tougher times than this before and I have questioned God. But my testimony has been that He is faithful, He does answer prayer, He does deliver and heal, He can be trusted.

So, if in a moment of exasperation, I want to cry out ‘Why, God?’, it is OK. God can handle it. He won’t take offense. He might gently chide me but not in anger. He won’t punish me by pulling away. Instead, He pulls me closer and holds me tighter. He whispers words of understanding and love. He reminds me of His goodness, His faithfulness, the hope I have in His promises. He asks me again to trust Him, and I find my peace restored when I make the choice to do so. When I put down having to know the reasons why, and just lean into His love.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

THE ONE WHO COMFORTS BEST

February 20, 2026February 19, 2026 joymargetts

Our grandchildren are amazing, and being able to spend time caring for them is a real honour. My littlest grandchild is only 8 months old and only very recently has his mum started leaving him with us. He is an easy-going little chap, and we are loving getting to know him and his foibles. He is eating solids now, and loves his food – often, if tears threaten, giving him something to ‘gum’ on will rapidly divert him. He does nap too – especially in the pram. He can be quite content with us for an hour or two, especially if his big sister and brother are around. But when mummy walks back into the room, everything changes. He sees her and his little face crumples. He wants to be held by her and nothing and no -one else will do.

Like a weaned child

I was meditating on this. While we could care for our grandson’s needs, bring him a measure of comfort, keep him entertained, we could never replace the love and trust that exists between him and his mother. The one who he has looked to, to meet his needs for all of his short life. The one who nurtured him in her womb and has carried and protected him since.

It made me think of that verse in the psalms,

‘Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.’ Psalm 131:2 NKJV

The picture is of a small child who has been well cared for. Fed and provided for by one who loves them unconditionally. In the context, the Psalmist is talking about trusting God and not being worried about things too troubling or profound for us.

Image shows a young woman holding a small child

Finding comfort

I hope it is OK to imagine myself as a child being held by God. Sitting in the lap of a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows me better than anyone else does. Knowing that when I am with Him, I am safe, protected and all my needs are met.

When we are going through difficult times, we look for comfort. During a recent bout of illness, I found comfort in watching Netflix, snuggled under a blanket on my sofa! We can find comfort in food, in hobbies, in nature. Sometimes we reach out to a loved one, or friend, and they prove to be kind and loving, wise and comforting. God has surrounded us with things that bless us, good things many of them.

The One who comforts best

I have come to lean, through all the tough things that I have gone through, that however good those comforting things or people are, there comes a point when only one place of comfort will do. There will come a moment where I will be driven back to the greatest place of comfort and security. I go back to God, back to my Father, and I lean into His embrace and I listen for His words of reassurance. I know I can trust Him fully to know just the right things to say and do to bring me back to a place of peace and contentment. To comfort and quieten my soul.

I wonder is His the face you long to see above all others? His the embrace you want to lose yourself in? His the voice that will quieten all your cries? I hope that you have found Him to be the God of all comfort. He has loved you and known you since before you were born. He has lavished you with good things, fed you and protected you. He is the place of safety, and will prove Himself faithful.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

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

WALKING WITH JESUS – AN INVITATION

January 10, 2026January 9, 2026 joymargetts

This blog is a little bit different for me. Usually you get my thoughts, things God has revealed to me, or a book review. But today I am going to extend an invitation to you. An invitation to engage in a year long walk with Jesus, through the gospels, one day at a time. I started ‘Walking with Jesus’ myself at the start of this year. Already it has blessed me, encouraged me, and drawn me closer to Jesus.

My friend Rachel Yarworth, who is a writer, writing coach and lover of Jesus, has done something unique, and brave, and made it available for everyone, you included. I am going to leave it to Rachel to explain more:

Photo of a golden sunrise sky, too shadowed figures walking close together and the words 'Walking with Jesus'

Rachel, can you tell us what ‘Walking with Jesus’ actually is?

‘Walking with Jesus’ is a project based on Substack, where we follow a Bible-reading plan that goes through the four Gospels over the course of a year, taking time to hear God speaking to us through His Word, and getting to know Jesus better through what He said and did. Unlike many Bible-reading plans, a key element is the community chat room where all are invited to share what God has said, for mutual encouragement and growth.

Who is it for?

Really, it’s for anyone, from people who are just interested in getting to know Jesus, to people who have been Christians for many years, and are maybe looking to get back to the beautiful basics of faith as Jesus taught.

Why Substack and not a devotional book?

I did initially consider making it into a book, as that is what I am used to, but a wise and lovely publisher friend prayed into it and introduced me to Substack, saying she felt it would be a better fit – not least because putting the year’s readings in one book would make it very large and the printing costs too expensive for people to easily buy copies. As soon as I looked at Substack I felt God was saying this was His plan, that we could make freely available to everyone (though He did also lead me to the paid option, which challenged me, but I trust Him so obeyed).
It also fulfilled the call I felt to make it interactive, and community based. Books are quite a distant, one-way relationship between the author and their reader, but I wanted something more open for discussion, where I can be available to help if readers have questions, and we can journey together. The busy community chat has already become my favourite part of this project, and I hope it keeps growing.

Image with the words: Walking with Jesus - Your invitation to spend a year getting to know Jesus better - through relationship not religion.
Rachelyarworth.substack.com

Where did the idea or inspiration for ‘Walking with Jesus’ come from?

Toward the end of 2024 I had been through several years in a kind of wilderness where many of the things I thought I knew about faith had been stripped away, including any confidence I once had in being able to receive God’s leading. I was overwhelmed by the amount of ‘noise’ (opinions, teachings, prophetic-sounding words etc) coming from Christian circles, that exacerbated the confusion of the season I had just been through.
So although I knew God was with me still, I felt in need of a kind of spiritual detox, rebuilding my faith on the only reliable foundation of Jesus Christ: Who He is and what He said – hence the pull to the Gospels. At the same time I felt my attention drawn to the practice called “Lectio Divina” – a gentle way of reading the Bible slowly while listening to God’s voice speaking personally through it. I felt those two things formed an invitation from God to build deeper relationship with Him through 2025.

‘Walking with Jesus’ seems to have two focusses – the slow meditative exploration of scripture, and personally listening for God’s voice. Can you explain what ‘Lectio Divina’ is?

I can’t claim to be an expert, but when it kept crossing my path to the point where I felt God was prompting me to look at it, I did some reading around, and learned that it is an ancient practice that translates as “Divine Reading”. It’s less about academic Bible-study – how much we can learn – and more about building relationship with God through slow, meditative and prayerful reading of small passages of Scripture. Listening to God speaking to us personally through His Word.
It usually involves several steps of quieting ourselves, and consciously coming to God’s presence; reading the given passage slowly, often more than once; reflecting on what we have read, and praying into anything that challenges us from it.

How do we learn to hear God’s voice for ourselves?

We need to remember that God does not speak audibly through our ears, but internally, Spirit to spirit. It can take repeated practice to learn to distinguish His voice from all the other ‘voices’ inside us (eg the voices of our upbringing – good and bad, of the culture around us, of temptation, of those closest to us), and sometimes people give up because they don’t “hear” anything. But often it’s a case of practicing and not giving up. Initially we might receive only vague impressions or single words that seem to stand out, but the longer we practice ‘listening’ and writing down whatever we think might be from God to test it later, the more familiar we become with recognising His voice.

What are your hopes for ‘Walking with Jesus’?

I really hope that it helps every subscriber to get to know God better – that they grow in confidence in hearing His voice, and find the beauty of a personal relationship with Him that goes deeper than they had experienced before.

How do people find ‘Walking with Jesus’ and subscribe?

There are two subscription options – the free one gives access to the reading plan with weekly (every Saturday) encouraging posts and links to the community chat room. The paid version (£3.50pcm) offers the same, but the posts are every day (except Sundays). Subscriber links as well as more information here.

(or use the QR code…)

What comes next, when this year finishes?

In terms of ‘Walking with Jesus’, I’m trying not to look beyond 2026 right now, as I want to be fully present for the community of subscribers. I’ve told God I’m open to repeating the same plan with a new group in 2027, or doing further readings with the same people, or whatever He asks – He just hasn’t said yet, and I’m fine with that.
In terms of wider writing, I do have a fiction book in progress that I am hoping will come out later this year, and I have several freelance writing/ editing jobs already scheduled for the start of this year.

Rachel, for those who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I live with my husband and three sons in North Worcestershire. When not home educating my youngest son through GCSEs, or helping others with their writing, I write books, blogs, and anything that will help people get to know God better. My first book – a memoir – Friend of God: The miraculous life of an ordinary person was published in 2022, and aims to gently encourage anyone to a closer relationship with Jesus, whatever their starting point. My most recent book – a devotional – Finding Jesus in the Wilderness (published 2024) was written during my own wilderness years, with the aim of helping readers navigate their own wilderness seasons and discover the treasure that God has hidden for them there. It was shortlisted for ACW’s Book of the Year in 2025, which was a huge honour.
Rachel’s website (including bookshop) can be found at rachelyarworthwriter.uk

Thank you Rachel!

Join me and a growing community of others by subscribing to ‘Walking with Jesus’ now!

Subscribe to Walking with jesus

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian Writer, Faith, Seasons of life, Thankfulness, The Word of God

RECLAIMING EBENEZER

January 3, 2026January 2, 2026 joymargetts

For Christmas this year I received a lovely homemade present from my daughter. She is a gifted artist, and it was done on commission. I wanted a sign to hang in the entrance way to our home, and I wanted it to bear the word ‘Ebenezer’.

Ebenezer? Not just for Christmas!

Why does Mum want a reference to Scrooge up on her wall? That was my son’s horrified response. Of course, the name Ebenezer is forever associated with the miserly ‘bah humbug’ character from Charles Dickiens classic, A Christmas Carol. But that is a shame, because it really is a beautiful name. You may have noticed it engraved on the facades of old chapels – I have seen it more than once, here in the UK.

Coloured line drawing of Ebenezer Scrooge meeting the ghost of Marley

A tough year

If you have been reading my blogs recently you will know that 2025 was a difficult year for us. It was a year marked with grief and loss. For many months of 2025 I became the chief care giver for my parents. It was a privilege to be put in that position, and I embraced the role. It was my way of honouring parents that I loved dearly and owed so much to. However, to say it was hard was an understatement. It became, in many ways, a test of endurance. Very many times I felt close to failing, falling, collapsing under the weight of it all, as I watched one, and then the other live out the last days of their lives on earth. To watch a loved one suffer is heart-breaking, even when you are doing all that you can to ease their pain, even when you know that they are going to be with Jesus soon. There were moments of joy and laughter, and an overriding peace in it all. And we were surrounded by amazing family, friends and health care professionals, who helped us more than we can say. But it was really tough.

Almost overwhelmed

As 2025 drew to a close, I was grateful. Grateful that a new year might bring less pain, more healing, new beginnings. But I was also grateful to God for being with us through what has been the hardest year of my life. So, so grateful.

Psalm 124 declares, ‘If it had not been the Lord who was on our side… Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul’. This is my testimony. I look back and know, with 100% certainty, that without God with us, we would have been completely overwhelmed by our circumstances. By the pain, loss, grief and relentlessness of it all.

So, my homemade sign will soon hang proudly in my entrance hall. And it will hang there as a declaration for all to see. A memorial stone if you like, which is where the name comes from.

Wooden sign with the word 'Ebenezer' painted on it with a mountain outline, and the reference I Samuel 7 v 12

Here I raise my Ebenezer*

In I Samuel 7 we read how Israel is facing attack from the Philistines. They have already suffered defeat, and they cry out to God, through His prophet Samuel, to help them. God responds and their enemies are crushed. Samuel chooses to do something so that the people will remember what God has done for them for years to come.

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” v12

‘Ebenezer’ literally means ‘Stone of Help’. The word ’Ezer’ or help is found many times in the Old Testament, and it almost always refers to God. It is the word God uses to describe the woman in Genesis 2:18, the ‘helper’ or ‘help meet’ that the man needs. It does not mean someone lesser, a servant, or an aid ( why God uses it of the woman is the subject for another time!). To state that God is our helper means to declare than the almighty, all powerful One has deigned to step down and stand beside us, surround us, support us and provide for all that we need. He has helped us, like no other can. Because He is faithful and good, because He is strong, powerful, wise and kind, because He is far greater than we are. Because He loves us.

Our eternal Ezer

It was important for me to make a similar declaration to the one that Samuel made as I stepped from one year into the next. As my family moves on into a new season. As we continue to heal from what has passed and look with quiet hope to the future. I wanted to mark this moment.

Thus far the Lord has helped us. We could not have done it without Him. And we will never have to endure anything else, whatever might come, without His help. He is our eternal EZER.

And as for Ebenezer Scrooge? Well, I read A Christmas Carol again this year, and do you know, by the end, he is a completely transformed man! A really loving, kind and generous soul. So perhaps Ebenezer isn’t such a bad name after all!

*From the hymn ‘Come thou fount of every blessing’

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here