Your Heart Will Know Joy Again
by Dean Gardner
In the latter half of 2009 and the first half of 2010 my wife Gemma contracted and underwent surgery and treatment for a serious illness. It was a difficult time for her as the one who was ill, and for me, her husband, although it was our testimony that, even as we went through those months of uncertainty, Jesus was our comfort and strength and our very, very present help. I personally learned more than ever before through that, and subsequent times of difficulty, that when someone you love is suffering you suffer with them, although at times your role of ‘carer’ can be a lonely one and you can sometimes feel that to others you are just a provider of updates on your loved one’s current condition.
One morning, I was spending time with the Lord and he gave me the words of a song based around our verse today from Psalm 30. It was a song from His heart to us both, reassuring us that He was with us and would bring us through the trial we were in.
Perhaps you’re going through a time of suffering at this time, or suffering with someone you love and care for. I share the words of the song that the Lord gave me six years ago with the prayer that they might minister hope and comfort to your heart as they did to Gemma’s and mine then.
Your Heart Will Know Joy Again
Do not fear only trust in my word and my love
I am near and I’ll make a way
Do not run, do not hide, I’m here at your side
And your heart will know joy again
Chorus:
Though tears may last the whole night long
And darkness may seem to reign
Surely as night time gives way to the day
Your heart will know joy again
Many may say ‘Where is your God?’
How can He stand by in your pain?
But know, precious child, as you rest in My arms,
Your heart will know joy again
The trials you walk in, full of grief at the time
Will one day bring praise to My name,
And like jewels in a crown you will treasure their worth
And your heart will know joy again
(6th February 2010)
Prayer: Father, thank You that I can bring all my fears and pain to You, because You’ve redeemed me and called me by name - I am Yours. Thank You that when I pass through the waters You’re with me and through the rivers, they don’t overwhelm me. When I walk through the fire, I’m not burned and the flame doesn’t consume me, for You are the Lord my God, the Holy One of Israel, my Saviour. Amen.
Dean Gardner worked part time in the Ellel Grange Ministry Office for four and a half years until October 2018 and is now part of the Associate teaching and ministry team. He now lives in Norfolk with his wife Gemma. In 1988 he experienced God`s amazing grace at a carol service and began a journey of restoration and healing with Jesus. He longs to continue that journey allowing God`s truth to change his own life but also to share that truth with others that they too might know Jesus for themselves.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.
