There are days when we hang our head; maybe it droops low with fatigue, low mood, shame or shyness. It can be hard to lift it up again when life weighs heavy.
It’s in those times that God reveals Himself as the lifter of our head, the carrier of hope and healing. He imparts joy back into weary hearts. He sings softly to us of love and of how infinitely precious we are in His sight, just as we are.
“The Lord your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The Lord will delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you” ~ Zephaniah 3:17 GNT
Poppies are a sign of remembrance, of battles fought and won, blood shed and victory secured. As we wear our poppy with pride (on Remembrance Sunday or Memorial Day), we think about the fallen, the brave and the bold who dared to lay down their lives for us.
Freedom comes at a price, and none higher than the shed blood of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He gave His all to save all for eternity. That’s how much you and I are valued by God.
Friend, you are not forgotten. Your life isn’t insignificant to the One who died so that you could live eternally with Him.
You are not a number, but a person of great worth and value to God. He knew you before you were born, lovingly crafted you together in your mother’s womb.
“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you” ~ Jeremiah 1:5 Message
Our earthly parents can reject or neglect us, but our heavenly Father never will. He longs above all things to reassure you of just how much He cares about you.
God sees the hope of glory residing inside, which opens its heart to the warmth of His presence. He sees all you are now and all you can become by His grace.
You and I carry joy seeds within when we are in relationship with Jesus. His characteristics are sown into our souls and new life germinates from the old.
As children of God we can live with head held high, heart at peace and joy within reach. Though pain and problems abound, there is comfort and hope to be found by trusting our unknown future to a known God.
Welcome to #day8 of the #write31days writing challenge. Thank you for seeing me through my first week!
I appreciate your company and thoughts as I reflect on ways of journeying into joy. Do join in the conversation below.
Poetry Joy 
Amen!
Bless you for being here, Tara! I appreciate your contribution to the conversation. xo
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Well said, Joy ❤️❤️
Michael, you are an amazing, encouraging friend! I am honoured by your interest in my work here, and humbly thankful for you sharing it. Bless you.
You speak to my own soul… Provider PTSD and Depression… our spirits connect ❤️❤️
It’s good to connect with you, Michael. God tends to provide the right audience for our words as He also leads and guides us in the writing process. It’s always an encouragement to see you here, my friend! 😊
Oh what a beautiful thought to carry me through the weekend: “You and I carry joy seeds within when we are in relationship with Jesus.” “Joy-seeds,” and the Zephaniah verse because it was my daughter’s Wedding Verse–what special words brought to mind and memory today, my friend! I am so grateful the Lord uses your words to plant such thoughts! –Blessings and Hugs!
Bettie, it’s lovely to hear you’ve been blessed by reading this! I receive a lifting of my spirit every time I see you here. Thank you so much for your faithful support and kind encouragement. May rest and joy be hallmarks of your weekend as you wait to welcome your new grandchild and prepare to break out the bubbly. Blessings and hugs! xo
“Though pain and problems abound, there is comfort and hope to be found by trusting our unknown future to a known God.” This is a great truth! I love the picture of seeds of joy planted in our souls. What a wonderful Father we serve, who loves us with a never ending love.
Many blessings, Joy! xo
Gayl, I’m so thankful for those seeds of joy seated within, just waiting for us to sense their presence and access them. We so often forget how Holy Spirit imparts the life changing heart of Jesus deep in our own spirit as a guide to daily life, and a means of growing us in Christ-likeness. Amen to your closing thoughts! Have a blessed day, dear friend. 💜