While we journey into joy, we soon discover how much better it is to have support, friendship and companionship to encourage us along the way. Especially when it becomes tough at times, there are mountains to negotiate or skirt round, several hills to climb, much travelling to do and lessons to get through.
The travelling can feel endless to reach our goals. Yet the road yawns wide before us, stretching its fingers toward the future, inviting us to do the same.
As we place our faith and hope in God, He will slowly unfurl the rich potential of days still to come, and grant us grace to enjoy the current view of the journey we are on.
The prayer below reflects on part of my creative journey, which is continually being shaped by faith and made achievable by God’s goodness and grace. May you see your own dreams reflected in it too.
Dear Father,
It seems strange to think that our afflictions can become joy bringers. Yet I know that without mine I would probably lead a disconnected selfish life, all the poorer for losing such deep need-driven daily dependence on your grace and mercy.
For in love, you have given us joy in knowing you, in living with your constant presence, in the persevering, enduring and overcoming, and joy in the journey itself.
We are created to dream big dreams, to believe for the impossible, to see your hand at work bringing life from what seems dead. A dream was laid on my heart. I dared to hope for something beyond the everyday.
I desired to write a book of poetry. A seed of hope was sown, liberally watered by the encouragement of those you chose to accompany me. Their interest and support helped the fragile seed to grow, flower and flourish.
You knew I lacked courage to walk this path alone, that I would be tempted to give up without prayer and words to cheer me on, how my fears and failings would make me falter, weakness make me wilt and pain bring a halt to proceeding.
And you gave blessings in abundance, as you always do to each one of us – liberally, freely, graciously, lavishly, unexpectedly, joyfully.
You provided friends to walk beside me, peace in pursuing purpose, strength in sharing, courage in creativity.
All helping me to be here now – still walking in faith, still writing, still living and believing for greater things to come.
For you reward all who diligently seek after you. May it be our goal, always. The Giver of all good gifts does not disappoint us.
For these things and for your manifold mercies, we give you our grateful thanks and praise.
Amen
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”
~ Alfred Lord Tennyson
PS: *Take heart, friend – though we may have to wait a while, God-sized dreams do eventually come true. After over 2 years of waiting, I’m so thankful to have the fruit of this particular dream available now as a real live book to read! You can click on the link to access ‘Seeking Solace: Discovering grace in life’s hard places’, or UK readers will find it in the sidebar here. Every copy sold helps to raise funds for Action for M.E*
Welcome to #day10 of 31 days of journeying into joy.
How is the journey going for you? Can you testify to God bringing a dream to pass?
Do let me know in the comments below. 🙂
Poetry Joy 
Dear Joy, These thoughts truly express the deep places of my heart towards God as well: “And you gave blessings in abundance, as you always do to each one of us – liberally, freely, graciously, lavishly, unexpectedly, joyfully.” God is so good, and always so faithful! Thank you for being one of those blessings of encouragement to me through your writing. Your book of poetry has been one of the sources that God has used to keep me persevering through the hard times. And then to end this post with that quote by Tennyson, that was one of my Grandmother’s and Mother’s favorites! Thank you, dear friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie, I never cease to be amazed at just how much you and I are on the same wavelength. God knew what He was doing when He brought us together as friends! And more than that, I believe the book was written with you in mind, (in God’s mind, I mean) because He intended to seal a connection between us with the words He gave me. Your sweet friendship, faithful prayers and kind encouragement truly helped to keep me afloat during tough times this summer. At the risk of sounding ungrateful and ungracious, I feel like saying, “Don’t thank me, thank God!” Because I’m just the willing pencil in His creative hands. xoxo
“still walking in faith, still writing, still living and believing . . .” one life’s radiant testament, Joy.
It’s nice to read that Tennyson quote again. Years ago I was studying Copperplate (calligraphy). I made a paper mosaic piece using his words. Your post makes me realize I’ve stopped “seeing it” (must be time to hang it on a different wall or prop it on an easel). I’ll take a picture and message you with it. 🙂
Yes it is a testimony to God’s goodness and grace and the wondrous way He answers prayer! I’m so thankful to have seen the fruit of this seed of faith. Laurie, so often what is always right before our eyes can lose its power to seize our attention, as the familiar becomes invisible by default, blending into the background. Do move the Tennyson quote you made memorable and appealing with calligraphy, savour it anew and send me an image. I’d love to see it! ❤
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Wonderful hope shared by Joy!!
Oh thank you, Michael!! I’m awed by the promise and its fulfilment. God is amazing! Bless you, friend. 🙂
“It seems strange to think that our afflictions can become joy bringers. Yet I know that without mine I would probably lead a disconnected selfish life, all the poorer for losing such deep need-driven daily dependence on your grace and mercy.” I can so identify with this, Joy. Thank you for understanding and for encouraging me. I’ve been trying hard to see the joy in afflictions. Have a wonderful week! Hugs!
It is a hard thing to do, isn’t it? But well worth persevering! Sympathising with you as we both learn to see the joy hiding in plain sight in the midst of our afflictions and pain. Let’s go sifting for gold in the middle of all the detritus, my friend! Blessings, hugs and prayers. xo
Congrats on your poetry book, friend! And that Tennyson quote so so good!
Thanks, Tara! I love the Tennyson quote too. xo
Joy, how exciting! I plan to purchase your book and I know I will savor it’s words. One day I hope to publish a poetry book. I also have dreams of turning some of my poems into children’s books. I just have to figure out how to do illustrations. Actually, I have lots of dreams and maybe some will come to pass. You are an inspiration!
Blessings to you, dear Joy! xo
Thank you, Gayl, how kind of you! I pray it will be a blessing to you. Never give up on your dreams, my friend. My journey was long and fraught with many challenges along the way, including a clear directive to lay aside the work for several months while I supported other writers in birthing their books. But every creative dream surrendered to God becomes so much more in His hands! We have to trust in the timing and the intended audience, because God is also shaping and making us in the process. I’m excited to hear about your own creative dreams and will be praying that God gives you clear guidance, wisdom and discernment, as well as plenty of inspiration! Blessings to you, dear friend. xo