Quite a few years ago I followed in the footsteps of many others and nixed new years resolutions. Instead, I focused on “one little word” that would encompass my vision for the year. I haven’t done it for a while, but this year I decided to start again. It was an easy decision because my one little word came to me before I even knew I wanted one.
Joy.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
“You make known to me the path of life; your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever.” -Psalm 16:11
“…Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” –Nehemiah 8:10
The dictionary defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires”. But the Bible defines joy as the presence of God, as strength, as hope. It defines joy as an essential part of life – a fruit of the Spirit. The joy of the Bible is the joy I am seeking this year. It is not a human emotion. It is a divine gift.
If His presence is fullness of joy, then I want to be overcome with it.
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