So many of us mistakenly think that our lives don’t amount to much. We wonder if we make any mark on the world at all, or if we simply exist as lost and invisible souls. No more than a fleeting mist or blip in the universe.
Can I encourage you today, my friend? Can I help you to see past the easily swallowed lies of the enemy? Because the holy truth you need to hold on to is that you are infinitely important and precious. Yes, you really are. Despite what your unhappy upbringing, challenging circumstances or painful past might be saying to you, you are very much loved and wanted by God.
The mathematics of heaven are totally different to the arithmetic of earth. Here, one as a number seems too small, too insignificant to count. But in heaven? One person, one act or thought becomes highly significant in God’s economy.
Here’s what I have discovered:
- A word of encouragement can turn a day, if not a life around.
- A whispered prayer can summon angels, demolish evil strongholds, heal and bless souls.
- A thoughtful act can alter a person’s perspective for life.
- A kind deed has the power to sow kindness seeds in others.
- A single person can become a precursor for change.
- A solo individual is never as alone as they may feel.
Incidences of the number one
We have one solo magpie,
one solitary bird,
quite happy in his loneliness
as he sits upon the tiles,
gracing our neighbour’s rooftop
edge with his dancing moves.
And we have one small child,
who lives across the street from
us, whose smiles and constant
chatter are like joy personified.
We also have one precious grandson in
our lives, who gives us deep soul delight.
And there’s far more than one chance to live
aright in this one wild and glorious life.
But most of all, I am grateful to know
the One who holds the world within his
hands, who spins planets and stars and
pours his grace out on one and all, with
joyous abundance and exuberance.
For he spreads his arms cruciform-wide
to encompass every nation and tribe.
And he treats each and every one of us
as his precious, esteemed and redeemed
child – one who is unconditionally loved.
© joylenton
We may feel inadequate and small but we can still have an influence and make a difference in the lives of others. Don’t let thoughts of lack deter you from pressing forward in life and faith. You count.
I’m grateful to be sharing my poetic thoughts with the fabulous five-minute-friday community today. Just click here to join us there. 🙂
Poetry Joy 
All of this is so hope-filled, Joy. Thank you for encouraging me today. It’s so comforting that God treats each one of us as His “precious, esteemed and redeemed child – one who is unconditionally loved.” I long to believe that more firmly in my heart each day. I really love Mother Teresa’s quotes, too! Love and hugs to you!
Trudy, it’s good to hear you have been encouraged here. I echo your longing to more firmly believe in my state of belovedness before God. Old insecurities die hard! Mother Teresa lived such an inspiring life and gained a lot of spiritual maturity and wisdom along the way. Her sayings still speak to the concerns and dilemmas we face today. And I love to use her quotes when they seem apt. Have a blessed weekend, dear friend! xo 😊💜
so so heartening, “infinitely precious” — each word of yours, each one of us reading them, each moment here and the next on on the way . . . Thanks, Joy.
Oh, Laurie, I write those things but my heart still struggles to fully accept them sometimes. But I am slowly learning to acknowledge that my uncertain, wavering feelings are outweighed by the truth I know by faith. Thank you for the preciousness of your company and thoughts! xo 💜
Oh, Joy, this is so encouraging and I love those quotes from Mother Teresa! Thank you for reminding us that “one” is not as small as we may thing sometimes. It’s true that a smile or an encouraging word can turn someone’s life around.In God’s sight, every person is needed and though we can’t reach everyone, we can be a light right where we are. Blessings to you, dear Joy, with much love. xoxo
Thank you, Gayl! It warms my heart to think of you being encouraged by these words. I am encouraged too by your words here: “though we can’t reach everyone, we can be a light right where we are.” So inspiring and so true! May your weekend be full of moments of joy, hope and peace. Love and hugs! xoxo 💜
I have always wanted to write and touch people’s lives and I do. Often, I may think it’s not as many people as it should be, but it is actually more and more.One at a time, and that one helps another, God has sort of a ripple effect.
That’s always been my hope and prayer, Becky. And like you, I might want the numbers to be larger than they are. Until God reminds me it’s my faithfulness to the task that counts, not keeping a tally of page views or stats. Yes, “one at a time”, my friend! May God continue to bless the works of your hands and bring the increase He desires you to have. xo 💟
Thank you Joy, I appreciate that.
Love the Mother Theresa quote!
Thanks, Tara. Me too! xo 😊💜
Dear Joy,
Oh, this thought is so true: “The mathematics of heaven are totally different to the arithmetic of earth. Here, one as a number seems too small, too insignificant to count. But in heaven? One person, one act or thought becomes highly significant in God’s economy.” I have so often felt that thought, thank you for expressing in words what was deep in my heart! God’s way of counting and measuring is so different than ours! Each one is so special to Him. And then your poem so beautifully looks for and finds those gifts of “one” all around your day. Thank you for this encouraging way of seeing. Blessings, love, and hugs to you Dear Friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie, once again you and I are of like mind! I love it when God repeats the insights He wants us to pay attention to. It certainly feels like a God-incidence when that happens! I love how you have seen beyond the words of the poem to the thoughts at the heart of it as well. That’s exactly what I had in mind. How perceptive of you to notice it! Blessings, love and hugs to you too, dear friend! xoxo 💜
Reblogged this on Pastor Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
You never know the difference you make each day… thank you, Joy ❤️
Indeed you don’t! Yet every act of kindness, each whispered prayer or shared thought can have a huge impact on others. Thank you so much for sharing this post, Michael! You never fail to lift and encourage your readers and fellow writers. Have a blessed weekend, dear friend! 😊❤
What a wonderful exercise, sweet friend, to examine all the “ones” in our lives and offer up gratitude for them to the One Who made them all possible! Have a blessed week!
June, it definitely helps to count our blessings one by one and marvel at all the Lord has done! In this Thanksgiving week, where gratitude makes the celebration rich with meaning, may you be encouraged, dear friend, by the sweet remembrance. xo 💜