Devotional blog Archives

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Grief, Healing, Jesus, Lessons from life

EXPLORING INDEPENDENCE

March 7, 2026March 6, 2026 joymargetts

As regular readers will have gathered my grandchildren are an endless source of inspiration when it comes to this blog! So often God speaks to me through them, and usually it is a really timely word. Today is no different.

A spirit of independence

Our eldest grandson is almost 5. He is at school full time and growing up quick. One of the signs that he is growing up is that he is definitely developing a very strong will. A spirit of independence is emerging – a demand to have things his way. Sometimes what he asks for is reasonable and we can accommodate his wishes. Other times his demands are far less reasonable, and even non-sensical to our adult understanding. We can’t magic up a replacement when he refuses to wear the jumper his mum has packed into his bag. It may not be the jumper he wants to wear – but until we take him home, it is what he must wear. Or get cold.

His frustration sometimes shows itself outwardly. There are loud tears and even a bit of thrashing about. He can’t, or won’t, hear what we are saying when we try to explain why he can’t have exactly what he wants when he wants it. Does it mean that we don’t love him? Of course not. Does it mean that we don’t want him to be happy? No. It just means that he has to accept that not everything is going to go his way.

Image shows a small boy wearing overalls and a woolly hat. He is grinning.

Things don’t always go the way we want

Life is like that. As we grow older, more and more we have to accept that things don’t always go the way we want them too. We have our own desires, our free will, our independence, our ability to make choices for ourselves. But still we don’t always get what we think we want, even when those are good things.

We have a Father in heaven who loves us intimately, and cares deeply for us. He loves to bless us and give us good things. He also created us with free will, the ability to make independent choices and decisions. Sometimes we get it wrong. We take the wrong path or ask for the wrong things. Sometimes difficult things happen to us, or we have to experience going without the things that we think will make us content.

There are times when I have cried loudly, thrashed about a bit, railed at God. Usually, it is when I just don’t understand. Like my grandson, my understanding is limited. I struggle to see why I must endure unpleasant things. Why suffering must come to me or those I love. I know God knows why, that He sees the bigger picture, that His ways are higher than mine. And I have had to learn to trust Him, even when there are no answers.

Tantrums only hurt me

I have just navigated a season of loss with God. It has been tough, and healing is still in progress. During this time, I haven’t screamed and cried much at God, even when it really hurt. Through previous life experience I have learnt that reacting that way doesn’t actually do me any good. Just as my grandson’s tantrums only really hurt him. I am the one who suffers more if I don’t deal well with disappointment. If I do have a moment of anger or frustration, I know that God will be patient with me. He looks on in love and waits for me to work it out. If I sit in the negativity, I sacrifice the peace He is offering me. My self-pity steals my joy and can lead to hopelessness and despair.

Trusting God to know what is best

Our loving Father in heaven knows that we can’t always have all that we want. He knows that we are going to have to endure hard things, have our independence curtailed. He knows and He cares. I love my grandson, and I want him to give him everything that he asks for. I also know that it wouldn’t be healthy for him if I did. Isn’t it good that we can trust a perfect Father to know what is for our best and what is not?

After the storm has passed there is a quiet resolution. A cuddle and a few soft words and everything is settled. Our boy knows that us loving him doesn’t mean that we will always give in to him. He remembers all the love (and the things) that we have lavished him with already. He loves us and still wants to be with us.

I don’t want to be independent

I would love life to always be pain-free. Just this week we have had some more sad news. Grief has resurfaced, and the questions threaten. I have decided not to scream and rant at God, I need His peace too much. I need His loving presence close by to help me, and those I love, navigate this storm. I need to hear His soft words of comfort. He knows that I don’t like it, that I wish it could have been different. But I don’t want to be independent at the moment. I want to be fully dependent on Him, and that means using my independence, my free-will to choose to trust Him with it all.

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 62:8

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 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

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith

THESE STAIRS ARE HEAVY, GOD

January 25, 2026January 24, 2026 joymargetts

My granddaughter is almost 3. She is a chatty little soul, and prone to burst out into song at any given moment, and we think she is amazing! We love how she has her own special way of putting things into words. While staying away in a holiday cottage with her family recently, she very seriously told a complete stranger that they were living in a new house now, because they couldn’t find their old one.

photo of a young girl standing in a doorway to a castle room

These stairs are heavy

One day last week we picked her up from nursery and took her home to her mum and dad. They live in a flat up a set of quite steep stairs. As I followed my granddaughter up the stairs, her little legs seemed to be struggling with the climb.

‘These stairs are heavy!’ she muttered to herself.

Feeling the ache in my own tired bones, I could not help but agree with her. The stairs were indeed ‘heavy’.

Now I know that the description of the stairs was not grammatically correct, but it absolutely encapsulated what we were both feeling at that moment (I think it is a phrase that I am going to remember and use often!).

You know, God

It got me thinking about how we are with God. There are many times when we can’t accurately put things into words. When speaking to God doesn’t come out in neat, grammatical sentences. When it is hard to explain what we are feeling.

I have definitely known this struggle in the season I have been walking through recently, and still do to be honest. I try and tell God what I want Him to understand, but more often than not I fall back on, ‘You know, God.’

The amazingly comforting thing is that He does know. The One who knows us intimately, who knows our thoughts, who knows the words we are going to say before we even do (Psalm 139). He knows. Even when we can’t find the words, He still wants us to cry out to Him. Because that is what relationship with Him means. We speak to Him, and He speaks to us. We cry out, He hears and responds.

Calling upon the Lord

David knew the truth of this. I am sure in all that he went through; hiding in caves and mountains, constantly fearing for his life, having his friends and own sons conspiring against him. In all that he endured, He knew that God would hear Him when he cried out. He knew God as his place of refuge, his defender, his provider.

In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears. Psalm 18: 6

He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters. Psalm 18:16

For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:31-32

Photo of wooden steps ascending through a woodland

God, this is heavy

Jesus talked about us having a childlike faith (Matt 18:3). I wonder if part of that is being comfortable with not knowing the right words to pray. To be willing to just express ourselves in a way that might not make sense to anyone else, but that will make complete sense to the Father who loves us tenderly and knows us completely.

‘These stairs are heavy. This, that I am dealing with today, God, this is heavy.’

‘I know my beloved, but I am right here with you. Behind you, beside you, all around you. And we will do this climb together.’

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

christian fiction, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Kingdom books, Lessons from life, The Word of God

‘ER AR OO?’

November 28, 2024November 24, 2024 joymargetts

A couple of weeks ago we had the joy of going away for a few days with the children and grandchildren. All weekend the son-on-law was quipping about things he was doing, or we were discussing, ending up in my blog. He was right, but this one isn’t about him. I’m not sure if he will be pleased or disappointed about that! His time will come. My family are a source of endless inspiration for my blog it seems.

Photo of a small boy and small girl sitting on the fender of an old railway engine

No Escape

Being with two small people 24 hours a day is great fun but also exhausting. It was tiring enough when we were fit young parents. Now that we are not so fit and not so young, it is doubly exhausting. And there is no escape. We had forgotten that. No room is off limits to inquisitive toddlers – not our bedroom at 7 am in the morning, or the bathroom it seems.

‘Er ar oo?’

‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ the little one called from behind the locked bathroom door. ‘I’m here!’ I replied, hastening to finish what I had gone in there to do. There was a pause of quite a few seconds, in which I though she had given up and gone away. In fact she had gone for reinforcements – her brother – and then there was a crash of toy diggers against the door, and the repeated refrain, a little louder this time. ‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ .

‘I’m here’, I said, also a little louder, and resigned myself to the fact that I had been discovered in my temporary hiding place. I paused before opening the door – it was necessary, to save everyone embarrassment – and in the moments it took for me to make myself relatively decent, the voice came once more, and even more insistently. ‘NANA, ‘ER AR OO?’

Just behind the door

I love my grandchildren with a fierce intensity. I love that they want to be with me, and that a closed door is no barrier when they decide to find me. We will remember that sweet little question for a long time. It made my heart swell to hear it. I wondered afterwards if she asked the question repeatedly because she couldn’t hear my reply through the locked door. Or was she just making sure that she had my attention – making sure I knew she was there and looking for me? Wanting me to come out and love on her … and play toys.

Where are You God?’

I wonder if there are times when you go to our Heavenly Father, and call out to Him. Repeatedly perhaps. Have you ever felt that there is a locked shut door between you and Him? Or perhaps you have been listening out for His answer and not hearing it? I have experienced that. When life gets tough sometimes we become more aware of God’s presence and peace. But sometimes in those difficult times, it actually feels like He has hidden Himself away. We knock and knock, but He doesn’t seem to be listening.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

The Stranger

My latest book, The Stranger, was inspired by a time in my life where I felt I had lost contact with the God who had always been there for me. I couldn’t feel His presence, I couldn’t hear His voice. There seemed to be a barrier between us, and it was awful. Despair came calling and the temptation to abandon all that I have ever believed in was very real. Where are You, God? I called. Why aren’t you stopping this pain? Why have you left me here in this pit? Do You even care?

Just behind the door

I wrote The Stranger because I want to spread hope. The central character, Silas, goes on the same journey as I did all those years ago. God might have seemed silent and distant at the time, but I think now that He was answering my cries and I just couldn’t hear Him. Or wouldn’t hear Him. There was a huge solid wall between us. One that I had built. A seemingly closed door made up of accusation, fear, doubt, disappointment, anger and grief. When I stopped banging and yelling. When I repented for the case I had built against Him, then gently the door began to open. I began to hear Him again. First through the words of loving friends, then through the truth of His Word, and finally in the depths of my being – that still small voice that I long remembered and held dear.

I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matt 28:20

He had never abandoned me. He was just the other side of the door calling out, ‘I’m here, beloved, I’m here’.

If you would like to read Silas’ story in The Stranger, you can now buy a copy where all good books are sold, in the UK and the US. Or via my website at www.joymargetts.com.

‘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 was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

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

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, christmas, Devotional thought, Jesus, Lessons from life

JOY AND PAIN

November 7, 2024November 6, 2024 joymargetts

At the beginning of last month we had a fabulous family day out. So full of joy! We took the children and the grandchildren and visited a stunning country estate, with lush green lawns, hidden gardens, views of mountains and water, and a house full of fascinating history. The sun shone, the ice-creams were delicious, and we all enjoyed it very much. The day after I struggled to move from my bed.

That is the nature of the chronic condition I live with. I can do some of the things that I want to do, I can push myself to live a ‘normal’ life, I can spend a whole day out with my family and walk far more than I usually do. But there is always payback. This time around the payback lasted for some days, and it was painful – both physically and emotionally.

Photo of a family with three adults and two small children walking down a gravel path between grass and trees

That’s life

I took my frustrations out on God, as I always do. He is big enough to take it! And as always He spoke comfort and wisdom to my soul. He reminded me that life is actually about joy and pain. The two co-exist in tension, and will do until we all enter that place where pain will be no more and our joy inexpressible. Would I have chosen not to go out for that family day if I had known what the after effects would be? No! I would not have missed it for the world. We celebrated one another and created some really special memories that day. The pain was worth it.

Was the pain worth it?

We are fast approaching Christmas (sorry to mention it!). We will be remembering the story of a frightened young girl enduring unimaginable emotional and physical pain as she carried and gave birth to the Son of God. I wonder if Mary thought all the pain worth it? The shunning by her neighbours, the distrust from her betrothed, the looks and snide comments, the exhausting journey to a distant town, the filthy damp stable where she had to give birth. I think she did think it was worth it. For the joy of being chosen to bear the Messiah, the joy of holding her Saviour in her arms, the joy of understanding that this was all so much greater than her momentary suffering.

Jesus

And then of cause there is Jesus,

‘who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,’ Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

None of us can ever fully understand the pain that Jesus endured. Horrendous physical pain of course, but then there was the heart pain of separation, the weight of sin and all it’s consequences, the betrayal, the mocking. But this verse tells us that it was for the joy to come that He endured it all. The joy of knowing me, and you, and millions of others who would find their life in Him. We were the joy He looked forward to as He submitted himself to the cross.

Photo of a stately home with grass and trees in front of it, water and mountains behind and a blue sky above.

There is always joy

Not all pain has a reason that we can see. God knows and He sees the bigger picture. Perhaps our pain will produce something fruitful and eternal? And we have this hope – there might be pain, but there is always joy. Jesus came to turn it all around.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
…. to comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV

‘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

Devotional thought

God’s Embrace

September 11, 2024September 11, 2024 joymargetts

Grandchildren are the best

It is such a privilege to be able to care for my grandchildren. I know we are blessed to have them living close by, and to be a part of their young lives. I don’t take it for granted. It is a real joy to have them in our home, to lavish love on them, to have fun, to even do the mundane things together, and the difficult things. Like nap time. Nap time doesn’t always go smoothly. In fact sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge.

My eighteen month old granddaughter hasn’t been coming to us for long. Her mum didn’t go back to work after having her, so we weren’t needed so early in her young life. Over the last three weeks we have trialed having her for full days with her brother, and it has gone generally well. With our grandson we had ‘cracked’ nap time; we had a little routine of stories, milk and cuddles, and he inevitably settled without much trouble. He now no longer even needs a nap. But his sister does.

Photo of a small child playing in the garden

The first two weeks went actually surprisingly well, but this last week was not so smooth. She objected to everything and there were lots of tears. Now I am generally the one who does the ‘settling to sleep’. I am also the one who does the nappy changes, the meal prep and the telling what to do. Grandad is the fun one who mostly just plays with them! And our granddaughter loves her Grandad and always reaches for him first. So as she is crying because she is tired and yet refusing to sleep, she decides that Nanna just won’t do. Grandad is all she wants.

Close to tears

I admit that in this instance I found that really difficult. Already feeling emotionally fragile because of other things happening in my life, this Nanna found herself close to tears, as her beloved granddaughter rejected her cuddles and chose Grandad instead. It was probably an overreaction – later in the day she played quite happily with me, smiling and laughing. But just in that moment I felt hurt, and that I wasn’t enough for her.

Sharing about this with a dear and very wise friend, she immediately said,

‘You’ve got a blog there. How do you think God feels when we go to other things or people instead of Him?’

She was right, on both counts. Here is the blog!

God’s Embrace

I took time to meditate on what she said, and it challenged me deeply. Even in my current season, when I have sometimes felt overwhelmed, upset and confused, where have I gone to for comfort? Food? Social Media? TV? I know my weaknesses!

It is not that those things are necessarily bad in and of themselves, but there is One who loves me passionately, who has all the comfort I need. Who is standing there with His arms wide open waiting for me to come into His embrace. Instead I go elsewhere, until finally I realise that the arms I have rejected are the ones I need the most. How often have I hurt God by choosing not to accept His embrace? How many times must I learn that those other things are just distractions, and that His voice, His Word, He Himself are my real places of refuge.

Now I am not God, and my husband is not comfort food! But, yet again, God has spoken to me about my relationship with Him through the antics of my grandchildren. It is incredible how they are teaching me. How I see in our time spent together powerful representations of how my heavenly father wants me to be with Him. Childlike, trusting, accepting of His loving embrace.

‘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 blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Jesus

LET GOD GUARD THE GATEPOSTS

August 24, 2024August 23, 2024 joymargetts

God often uses my experiences with my grandchildren to speak to me, but today it is dogs that have inspired me to write. I am a dog lover, and a bit of a softie, so when asked to dog-sit for friends, I agreed. There was a little trepidation as we already have a small dog, a little Jack Russell cross, who is sweet, but can also be terrier feisty at times.

Our dog is used to living with other dogs – the home she came from has a multitude – but this was going to be the first time in her short life (she is 15 months old) that she has shared our home with another dog. We made the introductions a few weeks ago and all seemed to go well. It has in fact been a relatively smooth transition for both of them since the visitor moved in yesterday. There have been no problems with feeding, sleeping, or behaviour – generally.

Dogs on Guard

This morning I was chuckling watching them. They are both exhausted from much racing around the house and garden, but for a time neither of them would lie down and relax completely. It was almost as if they weren’t sure who was supposed to be ‘on guard’, and who should be the one barking at random potential threats. They have taken it in turns to sit in the window and bark or growl, inevitably setting each other off. I found myself just wishing they would both just give in – lie down and give me some peace! They don’t need to guard the house because I am here. There is no threat.

Image shows two small black and white dogs sitting looking out at a garden.

Potential Threats

As I was thinking about this, I felt God speak into my heart. There are a lot of uncertainties in my life at the moment. Potential threats, worries about what might be. Those uncertainties are affecting several areas of my life, and they aren’t small things. I guess many of us have them. I know of many friends who feel the same struggles – walking the path of the unknown. It is tempting to be ‘on guard’ in those seasons. To take too much time to think, and worry, and try to prepare, when we don’t even know what we are preparing for!

Will You Just Rest?

This is what I heard God whisper to me today, as I watched those two little dogs taking turns in ‘guarding’ the house.

Will you just rest, child? You don’t have to keep looking for trouble! You don’t have to be on guard. You don’t have to worry about what will be, about what might happen. There is grace enough. I Am here. The pack leader is here. I can protect you, I can keep you safe, I will provide. You can leave the worry to Me.

Learn from those pups. You provide all that they need, and they look to you. They do not need to protect and guard the house, because you are there, you can see and understand more than they do – what is a threat and what really isn’t! So it is with Me. Let Me take the load, let Me be all you need, let Me carry you, let Me be the guard at your gateposts. Put your trust in Me, I am your place of rest.

Lie Down and Rest

As I write this I now have two small dogs asleep on my feet. They have given up. I am not sure for how long, but I am enjoying the peace. I wonder if sometimes God looks down and wishes we would just give up being what we don’t need to be! That we would just lie down and rest.

I also read Psalm 103 today. What a glorious declaration of what God has done for us, and will continue to do for us! He has blessed us without limit already and He will continue to bless us. To hold us, provide for us, and do what we can’t do. He knows us intimately, He knows what is coming, and how to get us through it. He is all that I need, He has all that I need. Help Me Lord to leave the guarding to You, to lie down and take my rest in You.

Image shows a woodland clearing with the words of Psalm 103 imposed on it.

‘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

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

A KISS ON THE KNEE

August 8, 2024August 7, 2024 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.

‘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

July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 joymargetts

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

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

Bible, Christian blog, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOLD HIS HAND

May 16, 2024September 26, 2025 joymargetts

Holding On

I have two grandchildren and they are a delight. Not that I am biased in any way! My grandson is 3 now and quite the little chatterbox. He is bright, and imaginative and sweet natured (most of the time). My granddaughter is just over a year old, and is already developing her own, very different character. She gives you such a hard stare at times it makes you want to crumple. I think she’s going to be a feisty one!

She is trying to walk now and wants to be on her feet all the time. She stands and takes tentative steps holding onto things, but has not yet been brave enough to try to walk on her own unaided. When she wants to move from one spot to another, instead of crawling, she will look around for someone she trusts and hold out her hand. If one of us responds to her, offering her our hand, she will use it to steady herself as she stands and then will walk with you to where she wants to go. She doesn’t walk anywhere without holding on to the hand of someone stronger and steadier than herself.

Photo of two small children watching Tv. The smaller one is kneeling with his arm supporting the smaller one who is standing leaning on the TV cabinet.

His Hand

It made me think of how I am with God. I know He is there, and I know He is infinitely stronger than me. He loves me unconditionally and I can trust Him fully. His wisdom is unsearchable. His guidance, His understanding and His protection are there for my safety. I know all this and yet sometimes I forge ahead in life, without waiting to take a hold of His hand first.

His hand offers me strength but is also is there to direct me. If I am walking close to Him, close enough to hold onto Him, then I will not stumble, fall or step off the path that He wants me to walk on. As the song says ‘He will hold me fast’.[1]

When I am feeling unsteady, weak, vulnerable, unsure of myself, it is perhaps natural to hold out my hand to God and ask Him to help me. But what about when I am doing well? When I feel confident, strong, in control? I wonder even in those times if God is still waiting patiently for me to reach out a trusting hand. How often have I set out on a path, without thinking of reaching out for Him first?

Close enough to Hold His Hand

There will come a day, very soon probably, when my granddaughter will find she can take steps on her own. When she will stop looking for a hand to hold on to. We call it growing up. We will applaud and celebrate it as an important milestone in her development.

But didn’t Jesus ask us to have child-like faith?[2] The faith that trusts without question in the one we know loves us. The kind of faith that knows we can’t walk through life on our own without risk of falling, or being led astray. His hand is strong enough for us to hold on to in every season, good and bad. He desires that intimacy, that connection.

And I need to remember that I am better walking close enough with Him that His hand is always within easy reach of mine.

Phot depicting an adult man's hand with a small child holding onto his finger.

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

[1] Keith and Kristin Getty, ‘He will hold me fast’

[2] Matthew 18:2-4