Alia Joy
About the Author

Alia Joy is an author who believes the darkness is illuminated when we grasp each other's hand and walk into the night together. She writes poignantly about her life with bipolar disorder as well as grief, faith, marriage, poverty, race, embodiment, and keeping fluent in the language of hope in...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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  1. Alia Joy,
    Oh how I needed this today. I’ve endured many surgeries, chronic pain both physical and mental, and I felt like finally I was on an upward swing when I severely jarred my back on Friday. Yesterday I could hardly move and today I am calling first thing to get in with a spinal ortho dr. I’ve had knee and foot, so why not spine? The waves of pain seem never ending, but we are not called to endure and persevere in our own strength, but in His. I’m praying for relief from the pain, but calling upon the Lord for His all sufficient grace. Thank you.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    • Lord I lift Bev and alia joy up to you aswell as myself. Please cover us in your healing, and do not leave our side…we are nothing without you and cannot go on without you. I pray Lord that you will heal AliaJoy and Bev in these recent incidents. And that you will take away their pain, soften their nerves with your healing hands. My Lord I too ask for the same. You are amazing Oh Lord, we love you and are so grateful for you. I ask these things in Jesus name, Amen.

    • Oh No!! Lifting you up for help and answers and patience…before our Great Physician! He cares Bev , as you know…may He lead you to the answers and help to take away your pain soon! Trust and rest in His arms Bev. …and take that Tylenol :))

    • Praying grace and peace and abundant strength for all you endure, Bev. I wrote this post several years ago but due to a bunch of current health crisis’s we reused it this month and it was such a needed word for myself as I’ve once again endured a long season of sickness and pain. The circumstances are different but God’s faithfulness is the same.

    • Bev,

      Praying for relief for you. May God send answers to your pain & a healing touch. Lord please heal Bev up from all the pain she is in. Give her wisdom to know hat doctors to see & the treatments she needs. Strengthen her body & help her to turn to you for strength. Bless her richly as she encourages everyone here.

      Blessings 🙂

  2. Alia,
    Thank you for this encouragement. “Weary” is a word that I have felt deep in my bones lately and this was a great reminder to PRAY when I feel that way. He is good, all the time!

    • Great is God’s faithfulness, even in, especially in, those weary seasons.

  3. Thank you, Lord, for all the help with the carrying we do.
    And thank you, Alia, for reminding me that we’re not in this business of carrying on our own.

  4. Sometimes I feel like “weary” isn’t even enough to describe it. I’ve been caring for my daughter and her four children since January when she broke her spine. I worked back to back doubles and was awakened this morning when a ferrel cat got into the house and caused a fight with the two cats that live here. Endless dirty dishes and even more endless laundry. Whew! And the day hasn’t yet begun.
    I needed your words today. Thank you so much for reminding me that my strength comes from God. How could we manage otherwise?

    • It’s so much, yes, weary sometimes feels insufficient a word. I get that. I cared for my mom a couple years ago when she broke her spine too and it was so so much. I’m so glad these words met you today.

  5. Thank you Alia…i needed to read this today as i will in days to come as a reminder of Gods Care. I struggle daily with pain as well as nights. I have Fibromyalgia and when people ask how i am i always say ok or fine. Its easier than explaining myself. As when i do explain myself no body wants to hear it. So i deal with my neverending faith byGods love and care for me.

    • Valerie,
      God sees and knows your pain and really, really cares and loves you. I think there is a larger fellowship of us who suffer with chronic pain in silence. Sending loving hugs and prayers….I care!
      Bev xx

      • Im not sure what to say except wow…someone cares. That means alot to me. More than words can say. I really needed to hear that thankyou with all my heart. God bless you…

        • Yes, so many who suffer in silence with pain that goes unseen but not by God. God sees. As Bev said, there are many of us who understand the pain you carry, the pain that seems too much for people to understand or sit with. There are many of us sitting with you, Valerie. You are loved.

    • Valerie,

      We all care for you here. I don’t take people’s pain lightly. Praying for God to send some relief for you. May you feel loved & cared for. God knows your pain & how much you can handle. Sending hugs to you from Watauga, TN.

      (((((Hugs)))))

  6. I read /prayed this with I pronoun. The pain no one sees in mind, body, heart. Not knowing what next day, week, month, year holds for FT job for husband..pastor. Please pray for me and carry the load for God to move. Thank you

    • Cindy,

      Sweet sister I am praying for you. God knows the plans He has for you-plans to prosper you & not to harm you to give you a hope & a future. Jeremiah 29:11. Please take some time for soul care. I recommend Bonnie Gray’s book Whispers of Rest 40 days of God’s Love to revitalize your soul. She has wonderful soul care tips in there. Father-please send peace & guidance to Cindy & her husband. They are uncertain about the future for his work. Help them know what steps to take next. Send contentment to them. Shower them with blessings.

      Blessings 🙂

      • Thank you. I have downloaded the book..thanks for that confirmation on soul care. So needed.

  7. Thank you for your beautiful prayer. My soul is weary from the rebellious spirit of my daughter. I feel like I haven’t slept in a year. Father God, break that spirit. She needs to return to You. And touch Alia with your beautiful, warm healing hand.

    • Linda,

      As a mom of 3 grown-and-flown, my heart feels the pain in yours this morning. I will be praying for you and your daughter today. And I will be praying as a mom who once lined up 3 kids in front of a police officer; he was visiting our home because one of them had spray-painted a bus, but they were all smoking marijuana at the time. I asked him to speak to them about the road they were on, and gave him the name of their dealer; none of them spoke to me for days. In fact, one of them once jumped from a moving vehicle because he was so angry with me in the weeks that followed. Today, that most difficult one who fought love the hardest because his birth mother abandoned him at 3 years old … he’s working at a large manufacturing company with his dad and me, and makes a point of chatting with me in the lunchroom. We get regular compliments on him. His brother is in management training at a grocery store, and his sister is becoming a mama in 2 weeks – yikes!

      The pain of a mama’s heart can be physical sometimes, but you don’t understand it until you’ve been there. Today I pray that you are strong enough to hold onto hope until your daughter finds her “pigpen” and sees her need of Christ. And I pray that the joy on the other side of this makes the memories of these days faint. Your future – and your daughter’s – is bright!

      • Thank you, Vicki! Your note and prayers are so needed! I am in constant worry over her safety, the fact that she could completely derail her future, and the constant, very real threat of trafficking. I pray for the Lord to keep angels of protection around her, and to drive the enemy away, in Jesus’s name. Thank you for your encouraging words, and for passing on that all is not lost.

  8. Good morning Alia Joy,
    Thank you for a much needed word of connection today.
    After 12 years of chronic pain, double spinal fusion, bulging discs, neuropathy, and the toll of literally pressing everyday to get out of bed and being determined to trust God to see me through, I wimped out! Over some inflammation in my right thunb that has me in tears this holiday weekend. At 2 o’clock this morning I was indeed pain weary.
    Then God spoke through you to me with this word! It was the reminder that it was in God’s presence is where I am able to gain strength to endure and the determination to keep going. But most of all the okay to rest when I get to the end of me. That I can indeed cast my cares on Him!
    Thank you!
    Barb

    • The end of ourselves is the place we find ourselves most strengthened by Christ. It’s not comfortable, it’s not easy, but it’s good. I’m glad these words of encouragement met you this morning. God is good like that.

  9. (((Hug))) ♥ ♥ I’ve had those “can’t seem to win for losing” periods in my life as well. So glad for a Father who is the strength of the weary. — (p.s. — I finally started exercising again a few weeks ago too, and I’ve been bracing myself for something to go wrong, because…isn’t that how it always seems to be? As soon as we get a good rhythm going, the bottom falls out somewhere? Almost didn’t want to start for fear of what would happen, haha. 🙂 ) ((Hug))

  10. Thank you for this!! My Love and Prayers are with you and all who are enduring pain in any and every way, any and all area’s. Those who do have family, friends and/or loved ones with them and around them. And those like myself, who have no body in this natural world with and/or around us – not even an individual whom we know to Pray for us and greater still Pray with us In the Mighy and Powerful Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Our Saviour and Our Prince of Peace!
    I truly needed and need this today, this very moment and more often than I had realized. Thank you for “Speaking” to me with, through and by the Power of The Holy Spirit Truly A Beautiful Blessing and Gift from God!
    I too “pretend” and endure the many invisible and unseen pains in my body, mind and heart. Yes I am one who endures these unseen pains and tell no one of them…I too have become a women who doesn’t have any desire to repeat and explain the physical pain any more than I do to try to explain the pain, hurt and heaviness in/on my heart and in/on my mind. The physical pain is exhausting by and on to its self – adding more strain and giving away the energy I already have given to and that’s been taken from me from/by the physical pain I do endure silently with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I know that God hears and knows what I’m enduring and pretending to be “alright” with, the loneliness that I feel in this world. These “invisible” pains are not invisible to God Our Father In Christ Jesus – though I wear myself out pretending and carrying out the day to day tasks with not one human being living On Earth with me or by my side nor a person to call and talk to – I do have an, as we all have an All Loving Father In Heaven, The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ Living In me and many billions Of Angels Surrounding that are with you and I we are not alone! God Is Faithful, Keeps His Word and His Promises to All His Children Always! God as Only God Is Able, makes a Way Where we see no Way! He Will Always Love Us and Make sure we have all we need to be able to endure all pains to Glorify God Himself through all the Trails and Tribulations Promising Us – His Children a Double Blessing and Give Back all that evil one – takes steals from Us! I am able to endure all pains because I have God Who Is my Father In Christ Jesus! I Pray for us all who have been, are in pain in any and all areas for God Himself to Doubly Bless and Give Back all that We have lost In Jesus Name I Pray Amen

    • Prisoner of Hope, many here are praying for you!

      The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
      Isaiah 61:1-3

  11. My weary heart bore a heaviness this morning that clouded the promise of the new day. Checking my emails and finding this was not an accident. Beautiful writing to touch the souls who need the gentle reminder of God’s ever presence, and that we are not alone in these trials. Thank you….thank you…may you and all touched by this writing find blessings in this day.

  12. Oh how I look forward to your posts. You touch my soul every time. You give words to my feelings. Thank you for being so transparent! God bless you!

  13. Alia,
    Great words and speaking to so many of us… I live everyday with several terminal ( I rather say life- altering ) illnesses as God has gotten me this far , when most would never believe when I was diagnosed. I still have the pains, and as you mention I often just “ pretend” so I can get throug the days.

    I know God is with me and has been through this long journey and that’s what helps me and my lityl4 family get through this all and keep on going…

    Prayers with you all and Prisoner of Hope, God is with you and that reminder and his promise is all we need. I know some days, we think he may not be there, but he is and through it all, we can do it because of the strength he gives us ….

  14. This devotional and prayer could not have been more timely. I’m almost 3 weeks post op from yet another surgery. I sailed thru my first couple of weeks doing great and complications have hit. I also deal with chronic illness too which makes this ever more challenging. I woke up in the middle of night with pain and tears and hate to admit a little hopelessness. But then I read this and the Lord used it to encourage me, steady my heart again and remember and pray for countless others who struggle in a similar way. Praying for healing, endurance and joy for all of us today!!

  15. Alia,
    Thank you for sharing so deeply and vulnerably from your heart. Sometimes it feels as if all the other Christians I know seem to have it so together. I often feel lost in my brokenness and wonder why can’t I do more than just survive all that life throws at me. It is good to know that there are others out there who struggle so, and to be reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30. I am praying for you and your sweet family.

  16. Alia,
    Thank you for sharing these beautiful words of encouragement.
    A hymn I learned as a child, Trust and Obey, just came to me after reading your message. I’m now singing it silently in my heart and feeling blessed.
    Thank you so much,
    Sarah

  17. Soul weary, tired beyond exhaustion, that is when we have rest in Him, whether it is a nap or quiet time alone, or just in the presence of His Word. We can’t run on empty, and can’t pour out if we are not filled.

  18. Alia Joy,
    Thank-you for sharing your words with us, they are touching as always. My prayers are with all of you suffering through pain,
    Have a blessed day all,
    Penny

  19. I so connect to your words… they are always beautifully written with depth, emotion and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing I wrote out this prayer because it was so perfect.

  20. It is with a heavy heart that I too join in the group of Great Pretenders!
    The bearers of soul weariness are all too often the bearers of chronic loneliness as well. Somehow this chronic pain and the body’s unwillingness to cooperate with our spirit, dreams, goals, and away from our rightful place amongst our community of fellow worshippers. At least it feels to me that way. After having several surgeries, and not being able to sit for any length of time, I am a distraction when I feel up to attending. (Because I have to leave early) I’ve been told so. Basically ostracized for my what I now view as deformities!!! They are disabilities. I used to lead worship. I sang solos. I attended, tithed, etc. but not one visitor, not one call in a 6 year ordeal of major back surgeries! What has happened to the church? To the very love of Jesus!
    Yes, weary.
    This silen group of great pretenders is blight on the church. I think it makes Our Father terribly SAD

    • I am so SORRY for what you are going through. I feel the pain, shame and loneliness of chronic illness. But I also can truly say I’ve been blessed with some dear friends in the midst of the church criticism. Unless they’ve been there they don’t understand no matter how hard they try to say they do. I pray Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Then I focus on my relationship and attitude instead of on the constant pain they inflict. The pain doesn’t leave but the freedom to become better instead of bitter over the whole painful ordeal is freeing and peace in Jesus. Many PRAYERS that you can find at least one friend to connect with you and walk the journey with you. PRAYERS my fellow sufferer. I really care and wish I could learn to know you better. I can at least email. Hang in. God bless you in your journey. Cling tight to HIS hand. PRAYERS. Hugs.

      • Thank you so much! I needed your hug so badly.
        I’ve dealt with the church rejection for 6 years, but wanted to make the point for readers to embrace any in their midst.
        Please do continue to pray for the Lord to send someone to share with in the Lord.
        3 1/2 years ago, I was told I would live for 3-5 years. It has been a difficult and lonely time.
        A time of pressing in, a time of great weariness. Thank you.
        Bless you!

    • Crystal, I hear You! I too have been stepped on in churches. I have spent many nights laying awake talking to Jesus and asking Him why people seem to be so rude to others when we are in church of all places. It has come to me that satan needs to work harder in church because that is where people are trying to find God and do good! Anyway, that is what they think the are doing. Churches are made up of people and people make mistakes, all we can do is pray for them and love them. I’m sorry you have had such a bad experience with these people, however, pray for them, forgive them , and find new friends! Jesus loves you and will lead you to friends who love you for who you are! I personally quit attending church,but it doesn’t stop me from worshiping on line or going to bible study. I pray and worship daily! I will pray for you! I too have chronic pain and have had 7 back surgeries! Praying for others makes a world of difference. Blessings my sister in Christ

      • Linda,
        Thank you for your thoughtful response – I too have had to quit attending, that’s what makes me so sad. The churches response to their own disabled needs to change!
        I do worship, read His word, study and pray at home, on-line, etc. But do miss the “coming together”, the fellowship.
        Becoming home bound and seemingly forgotten is hard.
        Relying on Jesus for His strength in a very weary life!

        • I truly believe when one door closes, another will open. When I first became disabled, I ranted and raved at everyone and everything for about 3 months, I was so upset, one day I was active and busy, the next, boom, down and out isolated and home bound! Once I hit the floor praying, it all changed, I layer it all at the cross it took a long time, I still have to lay it back down, every now and then ! But, once I realized He was carrying me and had been all along, my whole attitude changed! I was able to forgive all those who forgot who I was! That I ever existed! I have been amazed the people He has put in my path. Some for a short time and one has become a long time friend! Open your heart, He will fill it, there are some great people out there that look inside and see the real us ! Those are the ones that count! The others are the ones we just forgive and leave at the cross and pray for! You are a dear sister with a lovely future ahead! God loves us just the way we are and we should all love one another in our brokenness! Luv u!!

  21. Thank you so MUCH!!! Only God knew how much I needed this!!! Dealing with chronic illness and being a wife and mom…. Everytime life starts looking like some dreams will come true again something else comes up. I cling to Jesus through it all. He is peace in the pain and turmoil. He sees the whole picture. I see the tangled threads on the bottom of the weaving…. He sees a magnificent picture on the top. Thank you Jesus for being in control. And please be with all these hurting sisters. Bring healing and peace.

  22. Lord, I lift these beautiful, brave sisters up to you. You are our Jehovah Rapha. Your Word says you use all things for good for those who love you. Affliction is never your plan for us but at times it has a way of leading us to surrender , to the foot of the cross…like nothing else Lord. We struggle with the why Lord. Open our eyes to see the what for Lord? Suffering is never in vain in your economy Lord. Help us to continue to carry each other’s burdens. We praise you in the midst of our midnight hours. It is when we cry out to you, praising you at our weakest Lord, that our praise is the sweetest.

  23. Glad to know I am not alone in these feelings and circumstances. Reading this was like looking in a mirror. I had the exact same hopes for this month – my back was the reason but my exercise equipment was the trampoline. That coupled with lots of ministry issues and family drama has brought lots of weariness. Thank you for sharing how you physically feel. Though I am just beginning to be middle aged and in relatively good health (for which I am very thankful) I look around and everyone seems to feel so good and can exercise and have energy, etc. but as hard as I try, none of that seems to work out for me. My body just quits. I try not to complain to others because I feel like they get tired of hearing it – and they do. But, then you feel like you have to explain when you can’t do certain things. You feel like because there is nothing “specific” wrong with you that you can point to, that they think you are just lazy. Again, I hate you have trouble as well (though I know God works through it all) it is nice to hear that someone else feels the same way. Thanks for the prayer. Praying for your daughter as well.

  24. Oh, Alia, I am SO sorry for what you’ve had to endure. Your strong faith in spite of the pain and concerns and weariness is awe-inspiring. God DOES come alongside those who suffer! He IS our help and comfort! Thank you for your affirming testimony from the crucible. Praying that God brings you to a place of rest and joy–SOON!

  25. Alia, thank you. Always appreciate that you don’t seem to hold back — you tell it like it is and still love Jesus. Love that so much about your writing. There are many flavors of suffering…grateful for God’s faithfulness.

  26. Wow, how very much my physical and emotional pain needed to hear this at the moment. Thank you so much for sharing such beautiful, encouraging words. <3

  27. Alia,

    Thank you for being so open & honest about life. Praying sweet sister that your pain & that of your daughters is healed quickly. Life gets hard sometimes. We often don’t know where to turn or what to do next. Work & family issues can wear us down. Love hearing of your strong faith in spite of all the pain you endure. God will come along side each of us to help comfort & bring peace. Praying you feel better soon & have some real rest & joy.

    Blessings 🙂

  28. “Weary” a word all women are aware of yet it seems like it is a normal thing to feel. I believe we are weary from the mundane routines of this life and we forget to nourish ourselves with the water from the well, the everlasting water that will breathe life into us. We had allow the enemy to stop us from reaching this water, convincing us that we must keep on being busy and have no time for spiritual rest. There are days I find myself sinking deeper and deeper into an abyss and forget that God is the one who is walking right next to me, all I needed to do was talk to Him, reach out my hand to Him and He will help me through it. Let us remember to not be weary and know that through His word of truth, we will be lifted up and out of this weariness. Thank you for sharing.