Fullness of Joy ~My cry, the Lord's faithful reply

Fullness of Joy

Oh Lord 

I have heard 

“in your presence is fullness of joy”

-faith makes me believe these words are true 

but grieving leads me to long for this place.   

Is there a place free from pain?  

 I do not doubt the existence of Heaven, 

but surely Lord you see my tears.   

Surely, they beckon you to me.   

Will this joy come and dispel my tears?   

Will you not come and share this place with me?  

 If there is fullness of joy in your presence, 

then equally as true, 

there must also be fullness of sadness in your presence.   

A true embracing of all that exists that should be grieved over.   

All that hurts, 

all that dies, 

all that is unfair and grievous.   

Surely you know all and have even wept yourself.   

So this "fullness of joy" 

that seams to stand contrary to my pain,

makes me feel as if I could not be in your presence 

and still grieve. 

The words taunt me.   

Surely my tears are the doorway to your presence. 

 I weep for my sins, 

for others pain, 

for my pain, 

for injustice, 

surely you weep for all this as well, 

so this “fullness of joy” 

must include tears 

and an awareness of pain 

and an embracing of all that hurt.

Weeping…  Please answer me…

My Daughter, your pain is not joyful to me.   

And I sit with you in your grieving.   

So this joy in my presence is not what leads others to laughter, 

it’s a well being, 

a knowledge that all is well 

and in my hands.   

Know that grieving is not sin 

and not absence from me.   

But rejoice in your sadness 

that joy will come in the morning 

and there will be a fullness of joy 

when we walk together by the crystal sea. 

 It will help you to yearn for that day 

as you battle the trials today,  

knowing that on that day 

all this will be a faint memory

and all eternity 

will build on those moments 

we share together now.   

We can cry together, 

laugh together 

and hope together 

as we spend time together.   

Rest in the knowledge 

that all you see 

is not all there is to life 

and great joy awaits you 

on that day.

c. Kim Damon 2008