Harvest Joy This Autumn Season
This morning, I was awakened with a soft cool breeze which brought fond memories of the autumn season and its abundance.
I began to think about how, for many of us who enjoy gardening and farming the land, we anxiously await the frost to melt under the warmth of the early spring sun so that the seeds may be planted. Those plants nurture us throughout the summer months and then the harvest season arrives, and we prepare a feast from the fruits of our labor.
I recently read in a garden book that the toughest time of the year for any gardener is the month of August where the hot long summer days add stress to plants for their last burst before the Autumn slow down. I believe we experience seasons in life, also.
The other day a friend shared that they were having some personal challenges that were weighing heavily on their heart. They were feeling alone, confused and disappointed. As I quietly listened, I began to think that many of us have felt alone or felt despair from life’s challenges. I thought of my wonderful mentor, Xzandrya, who shared her heart lessons with me, showing me that, through all seasons of our life, our Heavenly Father’s love and joy is with us.
When my friend finished sharing, we both quietly took a deep breath as if to release the dismay. I shared what my mentor always told me: Challenging periods are growth periods. We are to walk in joy every day for one of God’s many gifts and blessings for us is to know that He is with us always. As Xzandrya would say, some day are just “gooder”.
I shared with my friend this bible verse that is etched on my heart:
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10
I have learned that our God is joy. His desire is for us to share the joy of his love and kindness with one another to encourage and bless one another.
I also read a quote to her from Eugene H. Peterson: “Joy isn’t a private emotion; it requires community for both its development and its expression. And since the community is provided and preserved by God, the response is joy in God.”
As we finished our call in a quiet prayer, we were comforted by the word of God as our souls were replenished with His joyous peace.
Because of you, I know the path of life.
Psalm 16:11 (TPT)
Until now you’ve not been bold enough to ask the Father for a single thing in my name, but now you can ask, and keep on asking him!
And you can be sure that you’ll receive what you ask for,
and your joy will have no limits!
John 16:24 (TPT)
We made a “pact” to lean on our Heavenly Father for he is our refuge, to walk in joy every moment of every day, and to welcome in this new harvest season from the seeds of the heart garden that we have planted and nurtured over the course of the year.
Yahweh, what a perfect God you are!
All Yahweh’s promises have proven true.
What a secure shelter for all those who
turn to hide themselves in you,
the wraparound God.
Psalm 18:30 (TPT)
Harvest the seeds of God’s Joy this autumn. Share the abundance of His peace, love and blessings with all. Feast upon this season of life. You never know what joyous surprises you may discover.
I took an early evening stroll through the garden to reflect upon the day in sweet admiration and prayer. I looked around the garden to etch this moment on my heart. Something tugged at my heart to look up -- a beautiful rainbow was painted across the sky as though our Heavenly Father painted it just for me! He was, once again, letting me know that He is always with us and always keeps His promises, just as He shared with Noah in the book of Genesis.
Keep looking up towards His Glory and discover joy every day. Feast upon this joyous harvest with family and friends.
Thoughtful Guide:
Are you a joy giver? How do you like to share joy with others?
Are there joy snatchers?Are there nay-sayers, challenges, doubts or fears that distract you from God’s promises of joy? Write them down and release them from your heart garden to grow new and abundant joyous blessings.
Are you a joy receiver? How has God blessed your day with joy? Who is a joy influencer in your life?
What creative activity gives you joy? Walking, gardening, cooking, writing, drawing, reading?