I’m scripture writing, in my faith planner, and reflecting on joy this month. Last time, I shared about the strength in joy, what if joy heals, and opportunities for joy.
This week, I saw that our God is right and pure, light and joy.
Planted in Him, what fruit can we expect? Praise befits the upright.
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord.. make melody to him.. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
Psalm 33:1-3
Yesterday was a high pain day. I went to bed with aches, barely slept, and woke with throbbing pain in my arms. My usual remedies did nothing. I tried to sleep but couldn’t. I prayed and cried out, but wasn’t immediately helped. Instead, He led me into worship and gave me two pictures.
1. Another human being enduring the same affliction but for eternity. I’m so thankful our affliction is light, momentary, and used for good.
2. Him hanging on the cross, nailed there by His hands. I imagined the pain and wept. I’m so thankful for His loving sacrifice.
Today, I feel much better and can’t help but feel grateful but for different reasons. For one, a greater longing for Home, the fulfillment of His promises, and an end to suffering. Secondly, greater compassion for those who are lost and do not know our hope. Both move me to live out my calling with greater zeal.
Sharing in His suffering and choosing joy – totally worth it; yes, even here.
[Philippians 4:11-13] “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.“
Products used
I’m using a scripture plan by Illustrated Faith for daily bible reading. This year’s plan is by @belovedsociety and @vanessawalker01, and the overall theme is the light of God’s word to our eyes and heart. It may be found here: 2026 Scripture Writing plan.
Other Illustrated Faith products used:
- Beloved Society Proverbs 31 Girls (digital)
- Glory to Glory (digital)
- Butterfly Washi tape
- Stamp | Summer in the Psalms
>> Find more details on this planner, and the scripture plan I’m using, here: Beholding and Rejoicing.
Be encouraged
🎶 Leave With Oil ~ Baily Hager
Worship looks different in the crushing
When messy is all I have to bring
You take my weakness
Cause it’s honest and it’s pure
Oh I’m gonna leave here with oil
What the enemy meant for my downfall
You’re gonna turn into oil
And I’ll pour it out
On the feet of Jesus
And I lay it down
A lifetime of wages
No matter what it costs me
My whole life is an offering
And I’ll pour it out
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
