A Visit from Joy

lakestill

There are days
When joy skims the surface
Like a thin rock skipping across the lake’s stillness
Almost a disturbance
To the serene achieved
A balance
Though steeped in greed
A love offering
A gentle stirring

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Full of respect
For the mind’s introspect
Focus ajar
Soul stretches
Beyond
The corners
Boxing
Protecting
Oh, but this flutter

angelagent
Of an angel
Her presence
Unstrange
She, Heaven’s agent
Leads mourning to joy
Blotting tears
Clearing eyes to see His amazing glory

~~~

Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands:

He who scattered Israel will gather then and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.

For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those who stronger than they.

They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord-the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds.

They will be a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well.

I will turn their mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty, declares the Lord (Jeremiah 31:10-14).

~~~

I believe Our Lord will give us joy here, even in the midst of sorrows. I believe we do not have to wait until heaven to experience joy. In my relationship with Jesus, He taught me joy does not leave because He does not leave. When my heart is heavy, I keep watch for Him, I listen for Him. If not Jesus Himself, then perhaps an angel from His army makes a visit with the unchanging message of His love and sovereignty. He knows our hearts, full of concern for others, for our broken world. He wants us to know: Jesus is the King of Redemption. He will not ignore crimes committed against innocent babies placed in their mother’s womb, innocent children used for sex and money, police officers dying left and right while doing good works.

Whatever your heart is heavy about, He knows.

I have another poem about the Thin Blue Line coming this week.

Try not to be overwhelmed by this world. We all have a part to be a loving presence in the midst of hate and violence. None of us can do everything, but we all can do something.

In Christ,

Julie

 

8 thoughts on “A Visit from Joy

  1. Amen! He is the Lord of redemption, and just that thought can stir joy in our souls. And I loved this thought: “Oh but this flutter” It stopped me in my tracks tonight. Lord help me to listen for Your flutter when joy comes in silently on wings from above. What precious hope in these dark days. He is Lord! Blessings and love Dear Friend.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Thanks for this encouraging message and reminder to keep seeking Jesus to find joy. I find my joy leaking away as I see the daily news reports. I needed to hear your words. Thank you, Julie

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Thank you for sharing how Jesus spoke to you, Bruce. I have been weary the past couple days watching news, too. My heart hears the flood of prayers needed. Thankful we are free to do our part, not be the Savior and Teacher and Healer only He can be. He reminded me as I wrote this to keep watch and listen for Him in the midst of “bad” news. So thankful for Jesus, God Our Father, and the Holy Spirit.

    Like

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