As the first full week of the New Year has come to a close, I have really been searching my heart and asking what it is I hope to accomplish or live out this year. Last year I chose a word that would be a challenge and it proved to be challenging all year long. In 2019, my "word" was HEALING. The purpose behind choosing a word for the year is to reflect on the past year and recognize something that you want to change about yourself or something you strive to have more of in your life. Last year I chose healing because I had experienced a lot of hurt the previous year. I needed God to work a miracle in my heart and heal what had been broken. Was it easy to cling to my word all year long? Absolutely not! Do I feel like that "goal" was accomplished? Maybe, but maybe not. Growth takes time. So my goal in 2020 is to add on to my word from 2019. In 2020, I want to choose JOY in addition to my HEALING. I want to live in such a way that others can plainly see the love of Jesus on my face. I want to spread joy to others and I want to be happy with myself this year. I want to learn how to care for myself as much as I like to care for others. Life is a journey and if I didn't recognize that, I might be complacent hanging on to the past. But I'm not. I don't want to allow the past to define who I am now. Moving forward into 2020, I want to have JOY. True JOY that only comes from my Lord and Savior.
I believe choosing the word JOY this year is going to be difficult and challenging, but I'm up for the challenge. Beginning the year on such a sad note (with my brother leaving for basic training), I knew I had to choose a word that would carry me. A word that would motivate me to continue smiling even when I don't feel like it.
IN 2020, I CHOOSE JOY.
I might not always feel happy and I'm sure some days will be more difficult than others, but I am ready to move forward.
Psalms 16:11-You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Let God fill your life with JOY this year. Whether that is your goal or not, God can do this for you. He is faithful to those who believe and trust in Him. In Him is life and fulness of joy. Not just a little bit of joy, but FULL. We can run to Jesus and find so much happiness. He is the source of our strength, hope and JOY. People can make you happy but only temporarily. Jesus brings JOY that will last a lifetime.
Search your heart this year to see what would be the most challenging word for you. Then write it down, find a Scripture that matches, and dig your heels in deep with God. He won't let go if you are seeking after Him.
Nehemiah 8:10-...for the joy of the Lord is your strength.