Tag: Devotional blog

Devotional thought

God’s Embrace

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.

Image shows the text of Psalm 131

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

LET GOD GUARD THE GATEPOSTS

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.

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

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

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

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 blog, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOLD HIS HAND

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.

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

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

[2] Matthew 18:2-4

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