Peace and Joy

When you hear the words peace and joy, what comes to mind?

These words remind me of Christmas songs like "Joy to the world" or "Peace on earth" but when I think of my first Christmas after our son Nathan died, I had no joy or peace in my life as I was struggling just to do the simplest tasks. But can I tell you 23 years later I have found P.E.A.C.E. (purpose, encouragement, acceptance, clarity, endurance) and joy again? In the beginning of my grief journey, I did not think that would be possible, but I was proven wrong.

The Bible reminds us that God knows our sorrow and that He can turn it into joy. I will tell you from experience, this does not happen overnight. It may take years to find joy or peace, but if you keep putting one foot in front of the other, and keep pushing forward, it is possible.

Jeremiah 31:13

Then maidens 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.

The verse that is comforting to me is John 16:20-22 because it reminds me that I will not only see our Lord and Savior one day, but I will see Nathan again too and when I focus on that reunion it gives me joy to know we will be reunited again. Every day I think "I am one day closer to seeing him again", this thought creates an excitement within me, but it also reminds me that while I'm waiting to see them, I need to use my experience and pain to help others with theirs (Galatians 6:2).

John 16:20-22

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

My prayer is that God will comfort and strengthen you during the upcoming holidays. And I pray somewhere down the road, you are able to experience peace and joy again!

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime