This last month has been challenging.
My son, Samuel, has been sick. Terribly sick. He’s finally been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, but we’re also seeing other specialists to determine any other underlying causes.
My heart hurts.
But this devotional isn’t about sickness. Rather, it’s about joy.
Yes, joy.
I’ve discovered that in the deepest and hardest places of life, there can be profound joy. Here’s the secret: it’s not from one’s self — it comes only from our gracious Father above.
I felt it.
My days of washing dishes and changing diapers and correcting papers and being a normal every day mom will return. And that heavenly joy? I’ll need it then just as much as I did when I sat next to my 16-month-old son in the Children’s Hospital at 3am watching blinking monitors.
The truth? You need it too.
We cannot live life fully on our own. Living only by the strength of self will rob our lives of joy.
We need Jesus.
Today, no matter what the circumstance, look to our Savior for joy and strength. Even now, take a moment and rest in the truth of knowing that you have a Savior who loves you dearly — in all things. Savor that truth and let it sink it to your heart.
And may it bring you joy. Great joy.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4-7
Beautifully written Rachel. Thank you for the reminder that it is the Lord who gives us true and lasting joy. So thankful for the joy in the midst of my trials.
How beautifully you are radiating Christ in the midst of your trials. I still think of the post you did at your blog where you wrote out a list of things you had to be thankful for even with your precious Samuel in the hospital. And it wasn’t just some list you quickly and flippantly spouted off. It was beautiful. It was detaield. It was WORSHIP. (And it so made me cry.)
Thank you for the example you are being in the midst of this…you are humbly and beautifully relying on Jesus…and I feel sure it is touching more lives than you even know.
Praying for your family,
K
Praying for you and Samuel. How true. We need His joy every day. 🙂