Tag: Devotional thought

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

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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

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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?

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

Shared DNA of family and faith

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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

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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

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

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional

Imgae of a Bible open to the Ps
Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

GOD CAN HANDLE OUR QUESTIONS WHY

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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.

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

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional

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

EXPLORING INDEPENDENCE

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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.

Image shows an adult hugging a child

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

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional
Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

THE ONE WHO COMFORTS BEST

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.

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

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional
Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith

THESE STAIRS ARE HEAVY, GOD

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.’

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

The Healing
The Pilgrim
The Bride
The Stranger
Christ Illuminated, an advent devotional
Because of the cross: a lent devotional
Grief, Healing, The Word of God

A SNACK AND A SNUGGLE (LOVED AND HELD)

joymargetts

Our 4 year old grandson has just started school full time, finishing at 3pm every day. It is a milestone in his life and we are very proud of him. He has coped very well – he was already doing part days – but school every day, all day, is a new and demanding routine for him. Inevitably, he is tired.

Photo of young boy walking away with a school bag on his back

When we picked him up from school the other day, he was so excited to see us, excited to be able to come to play at Nana’s house with his little sister. But within minutes of getting in the car he burst into tears, over something and nothing. It was obvious that in his tiredness he was just overwhelmed by all the emotions coursing through him.

‘Shall we have a snack and a snuggle?’ I suggested, when we got home. He sniffed and nodded. We put a favourite video on the TV, and had juice and biscuits and a cuddle on the sofa. After a little while he was happy and settled enough to go and find some toys and play with his grandad.

The unexpected overwhelm

Sometimes a surge of emotion hits us out of nowhere. We might be overtired, over stressed, triggered by the unexpected. Sometimes we might not even know why we are upset, why overwhelm threatens, and what makes us lose control. We want to cry, or scream, or lash out.

I am in a season of grief and loss. Lately I have been doing ‘well’. Life, with all it’s blessings (grandchildren included) has been good. The grief moments have been less, in both frequency and intensity. But last week was my late Dad’s birthday, the first one we have faced without him. I thought I might feel sad on that day, but the unexpected wave of grief I experienced, surprised and threatened to overwhelm me. The dam broke – there haven’t been many tears lately – and it seemed they weren’t going to be held back. The more I cried, the more tears came, along with memories both good and bad.

Let me wrap you in My arms…

I have a Father in heaven. Yes, my earthly father is there, but I also have a perfect heavenly Father. And He knows me so intimately. He knew why the tears came that day, He wasn’t surprised by my messy grief. He well understands loss, grief and pain. He weeps for my tears. He reminded me of all this as I poured out my heart to Him. His response was a whispered, ‘Let me wrap you in My arms, today. Let Me hold you.’

A snack and a snuggle?

God knew that all I needed was to feel loved and held. I didn’t need answers. I didn’t need to be told to pull myself together and stop the silliness. I just needed to rest back into His embrace. He fed me – taking me to verses in scripture that reminded me of my value to Him. And then through the words of a song that just happened to be playing, He reassured me that He loved me, in ways that my heart needed to hear. I wrapped myself in a soft blanket and sat imagining Him holding me. His peace descended and I knew He was there for me. I felt comforted, strengthened, and able to face the rest of the day.

Image shows three sparrows, two resting on twigs and the third in flight, with the words 'you are of more value that many sparrows' .

Loved and held

We knew instinctively what my overtired grandson needed – he just needed to be reassured, loved and held for a little while. God, our Father wants to do the same for us, if we will let Him. If we will come to Him in our vulnerability, just seeking His presence and not expecting Him to answer, heal, or act. He invites us to come to Him, in our messiness, and find a place of rest, in His more than capable arms.

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. ‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023 and her latest 40 day devotional, ‘Because of the Cross‘ was published 7 February 2025

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

Devotional thought, Grief, Lessons from life

QUESTIONS GOD WON’T ANSWER

joymargetts

I am currently living through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Grief, loss and uncertainty are my constant companions. I am saying goodbye to dear loved ones, and experiencing the loss of other things that have given my life stability and certainty for many years. I have questions. Lots of them. The ‘why’s?’ The ‘why now’s?’ The ‘when’s?’ and the ‘what will it look like?’ And the big one, ‘what will my life look like when all this has passed?’

A child’s question

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that my grandchildren teach me so much. My nearly 4 year old grandson has lots of questions. He wants to know ‘why?’ an awful lot. He needs to know exactly where he is going, who will be there, what we will be doing, and for how long! A few days after my dear father went home to be with Jesus, my grandson was visiting his great nanna’s home with us. He got his toys out as usual, sat eating his usual snacks, and then suddenly realised something was different. ‘Where is great granddad?’ he asked.

Now as the grief bubbled up to the surface at his innocent question, it would have been easy to change the subject, ignore his question, lie even. But that wouldn’t have been the right or healthy response. His question was valid and needed an honest answer, however hard that was for us. He deserved to have his question answered, even if it made him sad too.

Limited understanding

He is not yet four, with limited understanding of life’s pain, and with a soft and innocent child’s heart. He had just noticed that there was someone missing, who had always been there. Sitting in a chair in the corner, with a ready smile and warm hug. Did he need to know all the details of how my father had died? Did he need to know about the trauma surrounding his unexpected passing? Of course not. We told him that great grandad got very old and tired and went to be with Jesus. We had to explain, in response to more questions, that yes he was going to be staying there, that he was really happy to be with Jesus in heaven, and that, yes, we were sure he had a really comfortable bed to sleep in there.

A ‘need to know’ basis

His parents chose not to bring our grandson to the funeral because he did not need to know what cremation was, to see the coffin containing dad’s earthly remains, or have the role of the funeral director explained to him. He did not have to see us all in tears. He did come to dad’s Thanksgiving Service and he loved it – the joy and hope and love was palpable. He got to be with family he loved and played with some of his great grandad’s ‘toys’ (military models that my dad collected and painted) as what he called ‘the show’ went on around him.

Photo of a young boy watching a butterfly displaying its coloured wings on a wooden railing.

Questions God won’t answer… for my good

God spoke to me really clearly through this. I may not be a nearly four year old, but to him I am His beloved child. I have questions, and sometimes wish I had all the answers, but God knows that I cannot cope with knowing all that He knows. He knows that would hurt and harm me. He loves me too much to not expose my already fragile heart to more that it can take. He always acts to protect His own.

His ways are higher than mine, His understanding infinite, whilst mine is finite. Yet there are certain things He does want me to hear and know. Like the reminder of the promises written in His word, the reminder of His constant presence and provision, the reminder of His unending love for me.

God whispers His answer

I know there will be a time when all my many questions are answered, or perhaps when I will no longer need answers. When I see Him face to face and nothing else matters any more.

My questions are valid, and God does not brush them off. Instead, He whispers to my heart,

I know, beloved, and I have you. You need to trust me, that I have all of this, and that I am with You. I see your pain, I hear your heart cry, and it moves me deeply. Please know that every promise I have made over you and your life, are yes and amen. This season will end, as surely as spring follows winter. I give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

All your questions are answered in Me.

Image of a deserted shingle beach with blue sky above and the words of Isaiah 61:3

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. ‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023 and her latest 40 day devotional, ‘Because of the Cross‘ was published 7 February 2025

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