JOY.
What a year to choose this word, a word that literally oozes out happiness. “Joy” was actually my word for 2020 as well, and boy, what a year to choose it. I’m more than happy to shut the book to this past year and open my brand new planner for 2021, but with it comes a strong conviction to once again, choose Joy.
I confess that the word of the year for 2020 flew out the window. It was not at the forefront of my mind nor did it have a strong impact on my attitude throughout. Which is exactly why I felt convicted to choose it once again. The definition of joy by the world’s standards, is a deep feeling of happiness. Biblically, however, it would be described as being rooted in the goodness of God – a deep happiness and peace that is unwavering, unchanging, despite everything around us.
Psalm 16:11 reads
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy;
at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.“
In God’s PRESENCE, there is fulness of joy. It’s truly an attitude that comes from being in the presence of the Almighty, not the state of the world. It’s a challenge to me of where I spend my time – wrapped up in the current news of today or at the foot of the Cross. Do I worry about tomorrow, or have a peace of where I’m going. It’s the peace that leads to thankfulness, and it’s the thankful spirit that brings the joy. As a mother, wife, sister, friend, and daughter, my prayer for 2021 is for those around me to feel the joy of my Savior, even when the world may be crumbling. This earth will fall, but Heaven will remain. And Jesus Christ, is where the joy is.
XOXO,
Tami
