Grief is what cultivates the soil for the seeds of joy.
Ann Voskamp
I am sharing this quote from Ann’s post on Lent because it strummed my heartstrings with familiarity.
Just as much forgiven leads to much gratitude, much grief can also lead to much joy – though the road is often long and difficult.
Journeys of pain in our lives tend to take tolls on us that we would rather not pay, but in time joy does come again. If you are enduring, if grief seems overwhelming – lean into Him. Cry out to Him in your weakness, in your anger, in your pain. God is near. He cares and He understands every emotion along the way.
Christ grieved in Gethsemane, to the point of sweating blood. He endured the cross and suffered the pain. A journey that led to a Risen King and Savior – so that we could have joy – eternal. And the Father was there. Though separated for a time by the darkness of sin, He was there.
Even in our darkest moments, He is there. Always there.
The LORD watches over all who love Him. Psalm 145:20
Paul said:
Wow, this is timely as I’m about to carry an 80 pound pack out into solitude in the desert. There will be pain and hunger and cold. But all in the cause of seeking joy in the morning.
EA Bussey said:
An intense time of seeking Him that I know will be amazing! Blessings to you Paul and thanks for the continued encouragement in my writing.