The last month of our lives has not gone according to plan. It's been filled with ups and downs.
While getting David ready for bed one night, I noticed a bump inside his nose. I called my husband to bring a flashlight and we took a closer look. Definitely not a boogie. So the next morning I called the pediatrician. A series of doctor visits followed…ENT, pediatric ENT, cardiologist, surgery consult.
It turns out the bump is nothing to be too concerned about, it was just blocking the left sinus and had to be removed. What should have been fairly simple was complicated by sickness and four hour drives to the city to see various specialists and get cardiac clearance.
We tried to do fun things on our quick trips to LA to keep things entertaining for the boys. We visited Disneyland, stayed in a beautiful hotel one night, ate plenty of McDonald's and even bought a dvd player for the car. But doing fun things really isn't enough to give joy.
Joy in the midst of unexpected curcumstances comes from somewhere else. It isn't something I can 'muster up' or pretend is real. I might be able 'muster up' a smile for a short period of time. But real joy comes from hope. And my hope comes from knowing that painful circumstances won't last. My hope is in the Lord.
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
What circumstance are you facing today?
Find Lisa's exclusive jewelry designs, like Take Hope to Heart, on the (in)courage shop.
Leave a Comment
Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted says
I received this necklace as a Christmas gift and absolutely love it! Thank you, Lisa, for your story and your words of encouragement.
wings says
thank you for posting this today. I really needed that verse. I’m a bit down and out and need to find hope in my Savior.
sharon says
Lisa you are always such an encouragement to me! I shared in the comments on your blog awhile back how I lost my full term baby during birth 5 mo ago and 2 mo later found out I was pregnant again. This whole season of my life is so unexpected and has been very hard to find joy in, but the Lord IS helping me. It felt stupid to even hope at first, but He is my hope and heaven is my home. “But as for me I will always have hope, I will praise You more and more” Psalm 71:14
Anne says
This is one of my favorite portions of scripture, and inspires me when I feel overwhelmed by burdens and less aware of joy and God’s love.
I’ve got a crazy day: preparing and shipping an Easter package to our daughter and her family; writing the church newsletter; visiting a parishioner who is close to death; cleaning the house (think three dogs, you’ll understand!); finishing invitations for our son’s rehearsal dinner; preparing bible study for tomorrow… Dinner? Either leftovers or pizza!
As for joy–I thank God for today’s sunshine, and the ability to do all of the above. Even ministering to the dying brings joy from the privilege of sharing that walk, and being able to offer human solace and the promise of God’s peace.
Tiffany Day says
Great reminder that our joy, our hope is in the Lord and that He does sustain us. Love this!
No matter the circumstance(s) I face, I must remember that in ALL things the Lord will be glorified and I must give thanks. I want to live with a joyful and thankful heart!
Thank you Lisa!
xoTiffany
Monica Snyder says
Another MRI for our sweet two year old, Danica, who had brain surgery in November and her symptoms are returning. This word was definitely from the Lord and encouraged me greatly! Thank you Lisa! The JOY OF THE LORD is my strength!
Meg says
I needed this today. My husband found out yesterday that he has an aortic aneurysm and when he told me I thought, “we can manage this”. But as this day “wears” on, the weight of it is hitting me. I needed to read this and be reminded that my joy lies with the Lord and not on our circumstances. Even as I write this, I don’t really “feel” it but I know it.
God Bless,
Meg
Mel's World with Melissa Mashburn says
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing your heart, your passion, and your story with us…loved it!
xoxo, Melissa
Michelle says
Your story is beautiful, but your ability to find joy in such a stressful situation is even more beautiful. I have learned, though I’m not always successful in practicing what I preach, that beauty is all around us even in the most dire situations, and it is that beauty that gives us hope that things will get better.
My son has Tourettes and OCD and it has taken me 6 years to come to terms with it in a way that allows me to accept that his TS and OCD are just a part of who he is – and that’s okay. And as a result this child has learned at an early age what tolerance and acceptance are all about. That brings me great joy.