I woke feeling out of sorts, restless and agitated. Insomnia and pain often affect my mental state, because the weariness they bring begins to permeate everything like a dense heavy cloud. Maybe you’ve felt that way, too?
On days when light and joy seem to be absent and our souls feel downcast, we have to make a deliberate effort to pursue joy. Because joy hides behind every dark cloud and we see it when we search it out. It’s a matter of the will, of mind over matter, Spirit-led living over flesh-induced feelings.
Rest and joy are closely aligned, dependent on one another, especially resting in God. Our days of extra busyness, weakness and weariness are speaking to us of a pressing need to pause, a soul drive toward silence and stillness instead of a crash-and-burn-style of living leading to illness.
This isn’t just for those of us who have M.E and chronic illness; this is for everyone. Because we all live in a fallen world which can drain every ounce of vitality out of us if we let it. The words below were whispered to me in prayer. My hope and prayer is that they will speak to you, too…
“Rest isn’t an emotion or a feeling, though at times it will seep into your mind. But the kind of rest I offer you is one that sinks into your spirit and lingers. It’s a turning toward Me, a continual attitude of trust, no matter what your circumstances might be.
It’s a gift of grace which brings inner peace and Holy Spirit ease to accomplish all I call you to do. It’s an understanding which fires you to willingly live close to Me. It’s knowing Me as a loving, caring Father who always has your best interests at heart.
The more you learn to lean on Me, the more you will be held secure in every way, because I created you to live in dependence on Me. Your greatest and deepest joy will be in receiving My rest as it permeates every aspect of your life.
You will grow more aware of My presence watching over you like a protective mother hen. You will have strength and equipping for everything. You will have deep inner peace that remains. Your whole life, memories, past, present and future will be seen as safe in My hands.
Relax. I know everything about you, My child. You can rest in My infinite love, tender compassion, mercy and forgiveness. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to give you. Come and rest with Me. Pour out your fears and tears. Allow Me to soothe them all, to hold you close and whisper words to help and heal. Come now…”
A prayer
Gracious Father,
Forgive us for being so weak and easily led by our feelings. for falling into anxiety and worry, frustration and fear, stress and distress, for neglecting to spend quality time with You.
Thank You for your words of hope and reassurance. We receive them into our spirits. May they take root and begin to fill every hurt, wounded and aching part of us.
Only You know the heaviness of the human heart, and only You can show us how to live fully and freely again.
Help us to sense deep holy joy within, hovering on the margins of our days, always readily available in Your presence.
Amen
Welcome to #day7 of #write31days of journeying into joy. Thank you for being here!
As we examine those things which steal our joy, may we also discover how to regain it again by resting in God.
Poetry Joy 
“You can rest in My infinite love, tender compassion, mercy and forgiveness. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to give you.” This really comforts my heart, Joy. Thank you. May He show us how we can live fully and freely in the joy of His love for us! Have a restful, joy-filled weekend! Hugs!
Trudy, if these words can bring hope and comfort to you then it confirms they were not meant for me alone. I’m glad I shared them here! May we learn together how to live, love and fly freely as God intends us to. Praying for joy to be multiplied in the midst of life’s mess, and for purpose and pleasure to come out of the ruins of painful circumstances. xo
Amen! I’m so glad you found my comment in your spam folder, Joy. Hopefully this one will show up then. Love and hugs!
Indeed it has, Trudy! Phew, this mystery is solved!! Just need to figure out why Words of Joy doesn’t seem to have got the memo. Love and hugs! ❤
Oh this: “Your greatest and deepest joy will be in receiving My rest as it permeates every aspect of your life” fills me with such hope for today. I am so thankful that He will bring me HIS joy when I enter His resting place. And thank you for the pretty orange cosmos flower! I have planted cosmos every year for a long time, but this year I didn’t manage it, and was missing them! What a sweet gift today, my friend! xoxo
Bettie, I’m grateful beyond measure to have been given words that resonate in your soul! Thank you for your lovely comment and for the info about the flower. I hadn’t known its name before. It’s not one that grows in our garden though; this image came from another source. Your friendship and faithful presence here are a sweet grace gift to me, my friend. xoxo
So much of this speaks to me, Joy. “It’s a matter of the will, of mind over matter, Spirit-led living over flesh-induced feelings.” It’s so easy to just focus on circumstances and forget to look to God. And this is also true -“Rest and joy are closely aligned, dependent on one another, especially resting in God.” Yes, when we rest in Him there is definitely joy and peace.
Thank you for your precious prayer, too. Do you mind if I copy it and have it handy to read and pray? I’m glad you are doing this series. It’s such an inspiration! Blessings to you!
Gayl, I’m delighted you’ve found words here that speak to your soul. Yes, please do copy out the prayer and use it however you want to. I’m glad I am doing this series, too, mainly because of the joy it brings me when God-given words find a home in the heart of another. God is definitely in the detail, isn’t He? Have a blessed, joyful weekend, my friend! xo
THIS: ““Rest isn’t an emotion or a feeling, though at times it will seep into your mind. But the kind of rest I offer you is one that sinks into your spirit and lingers. It’s a turning toward Me, a continual attitude of trust, no matter what your circumstances might be.” My FMF post/Day 7 post is about self care today
Hi Tara, thank you for sharing about the series you are doing. It looks great! I was blessed to read your words today and by knowing mine have spoken to you. ❤
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
A wonderfully balanced approach acknowledging mental illness and its effect as well as spiritual struggle/malaise. Thanks, Joy!
Michael, I so often wish I didn’t have these struggles, but I am grateful for the opportunity they offer to search for God’s goodness and light in everything. And my hope and prayer is for other hurting souls to find some spiritual solace here. Bless you for reading and sharing, dear friend!