When Grief Turns into Joy

Two years ago, I created my first floral preservation projects. I referred to the process as “making my favorite flowers, my forever flowers.” The excitement and vision I had captivated me into pursuing this creative endeavor. I appreciated the delicately placed petals and every hour of baking, pressing, and air drying.

After some time, I trashed the very flowers I swore I’d never forget. I loved the aesthetic and artistry, don’t get me wrong. I never imagined getting rid of those very precious projects, along with the dreams behind them. But now associated with hurt, those projects could no longer occupy space in my home.

Dismounting the last frame brought a deeper sense of finality to my healing. As much as I wanted to keep those pressed flowers for their beauty, God convicted me that it was time to let them go. I had moved forward and this was a sign of my obedience and cooperation to enter a new season.

There now was an awkward blank space on my wall. Was it emptiness of what was lost or openness for the possibilities of what could be? Maybe both. But at this time, I could only see the potential in what God was doing. I decided to reclaim that spot, and so many more, with unique projects and even more beautiful bouquets. Where sorrow once existed would now be marked with a new joy. A new radiance. A new sense of wholeness.

Throughout Scripture, God promises to turn our grief into joy. It may seem too good to be true. It may seem impossible and so far out of reach. Because we can’t do this alone or by our own strength. We must surrender to God and walk with Him throughout the healing process.

Psalm 126:5 says “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!”

Isaiah 61:3 says that the Lord will exchange our mourning for joy.

In John 16:20b, Jesus says, “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.”

Jeremiah 31:13b says “I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.”

Psalm 30:11 says “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.”

God will turn grief to joy. That’s a clear promise spoken over us. Yes, today we can choose joy in the midst of hard things. But processing through grief takes time and intentionality. Both require us to surrender to God and walk with him throughout the healing process.

That’s where these new projects come in (see the slideshow below). The new “favorite to forever” flowers are my tangible evidence of that very promise and the victory that has come with it. My grief has been transformed into joy. Just like the transformation of my new flowers: they could have been trashed when they began to wilt, but instead, there was a new purpose for them. Their story didn’t end in death. There was more beauty when they took on this new form.

God knows we’ll see the other side of the pain because He’s going to lead us there. He walks with us through every moment, guiding us and giving us new strength.  Even if it seems so unlikely. Even if we don’t have all the answers. Even if we never see the justice we want or expect. We can trust that, one day, all will be made right. God leaves nothing undone. And if you’re struggling with others’ injustices, know that your justice is found in your healing. The exact healing that God will walk with you through. The miraculous work He will do in you. Let that be your justice: having grace and strength to conquer the day. Friend, if you haven’t seen the healing happen yet, trust that God is working all things together for your good. He will finish what He started. 

Reflect and Respond:

Do you have an experience where God has turned your grief into joy? Or do you find yourself in the middle of the healing process? I would love to hear from you and pray for you. Share your thoughts in the comments below!