Joy

Each year, we change.  Our personalities, attitudes and perspectives change.  And, it seems as though these changes should produce in us an undeniable joy as we grow closer to Jesus and as He reveals more of Himself to us.

Instead of becoming more joyful each year, though, I have become more jaded.  The world produces in us more cynicism, doubt, fear and downright grumpiness, none of which I imagine being part of God's joy-filled plans for our lives.

One of my hopes for the new year is to be someone characterized by joy---maybe you can join me on this venture.  How to experience that joy is something to figure out.  Hoping for something is different than possessing it.

"Let us banish every fearful thought, and rejoice with exceeding great joy, in the prospect that this year we shall begin to be 'forever with the Lord.'" (C. H. Spurgeon)  I read these words this morning and am wondering if I have let the world's darkness cloud my sight.  Hasn't the Lord promised us good things here and now, and not just in heaven?  And, shouldn't we fix our eyes on Jesus and rest in these promises to bring light to not just the world, but to our own hearts and lives as well?  Wouldn't that bring us all joy in 2011 and beyond?  I think so.

So, here are some good things for us to remember as children of the promise, children who God never leaves and never forsakes:

• In Philippians 4:19, we are reminded that God can meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

• In 2 Corinthians 12:9, we can read about the sufficiency of God's grace... it is sufficient for you and me.

• Jude 24 describes God as being the one who is able to keep us from falling and to present us before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy.

• And in 1 Corinthians 15:57, we can know that in the end, God gives us victory through Jesus.

May remembering these hopes for the future---and the present---give us all joy in this new year.

Happy New Year, dear friends!

Laura