Last week, my mom started talking about the songs we might share this week, and a theme immediately came to her mind: JOY. Some might find that strange considering all my mom is dealing with, and yet what a blessing it is to see her faith shining through in such a difficult time. I believe that, for her, joy is the byproduct of years of growth and learning about the true source of joy - Jesus. Can I confide in you, as someone who is not quite as uh-hm...mature... in my faith journey? It's not always easy to experience joy.
In fact, I will share a little about our week and the ups and downs we have experienced. On Wednesday, my mom had an appointment with the oncologist. For this type of cancer, there is really just one chemotherapy option which comes in the form of a pill. We walked into the appointment to meet her new doctor and hear his plan. He was very straightforward and stated that he did not believe the chemo pill would provide any real benefit for my mom. The side effects would outweigh any potential gain, and he could not recommend treatment at this time.
His words took me by surprise and my heart sank. I wondered, "What now?" That day was hard. Really hard. However, as I processed this news, I recalled the place I can go for help... and He's just a prayer away. I don't, for one second, believe that God expects us to be void of emotion or never sad. This world is filled with brokenness. However, in our deep sorrow I believe He longs for us to bring our hurt and pain to Him... just as we would the deepest friend. He is where we find true relief.
Simply telling the Lord my hurt and sadness helps. Another help is meditating on His TRUTH. Something my Mom did when I was little was put memory verses to song. The music had a way of anchoring those words in my heart and is something I continue to do today. Such a blessing to have truth tucked away like a treasure, especially when sadness overwhlems. Wanna hear a favorite verse?
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4
What a thought! God can bring joy in the midst of excruciating sorrow. And this is not the joy that you have to muster up by one's own strength. It is His work in us when we call to Him for help. It is that byproduct of walking faithfully with Him knowing He will work ALL things for our good. His work in our lives produces a joy that doesn't come and go like worldly happiness. I don't know where I would be without the HOPE and JOY that He provides. Love this Elisabeth Elliot quote:
“Every experience, if offered to Jesus, can be your gateway to joy.”
So, the songs she chose this week are simple little old choruses I remember singing with my Mom during children's choir at church. I wonder if any of you remember them? The last song is one I picked. I heard it about a month before my mom's diagnosis, and it immediately became a favorite. I often sing it on days when maybe my joy is... um... perhaps lacking. I might be standing at the sink doing dishes when I realize my mind has spiraled out of control with negative thoughts or worry. "Jesus, You're the center of my joy. All that's good and perfect comes from You." The words are like medicine to my heavy heart.
So in the midst of sadness, we sing. We praise the One who has a magnificent, perfect plan beyond our understanding. So thankful for a beautiful Mom who has taught me to keeping seeking HIS joy... to FIGHT for the joy!!! It is well worth it.
And hopefully to bring a little smile. Her wig came in and we had it styled. It looks amazing. However, we thought she needed one with a little more pizzazz.....Haha!!!
This wig has brought a lot of laughter. We have ALL worn the wig. Everyone from my Dad, to my most perfect and adorable great niece...to even our beloved dog Remmy. Ha!
May JOY be the soundtrack of your mind!
Songs this week:
The Joy of the Lord is my Strength
I Have the Joy (down in my heart)
I am Blessed
Jesus, You're the Center of my Joy
Never has Nancy's witness for the Lord been so powerful as now when she radiates her trust and belief in Him in the midst of a terrible storm. She truly exemplifies God's promise to carry us thru the deep waters of unspeakable tribulation. Her reward will be great. She is truly a gift to us and I am so grateful for her.
Thank you again for sharing your Great testimony in our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ,I try to daily listen such a blessing you both are.our prayers are with you as God guids you through this new trial,and James is one of the books I'm trying to put to memory such a help and blessing when we do it God's way.love you hope to see you soon,until then keep singing.
Thank you for sharing your journey! May God continue to give you encouragement, endurance, peace….joy.
THANK YOU for the smiles; your unwavering faith is an inspiration!
Thank you for sharing your love and faith! Your testimonies are blessed by the grace of God and so inspiring!