Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:20-24
Last year I chose my ‘one word’, joining in with millions of others who decided to focus on one thing rather than make a list of resolutions that are quickly forgotten when life takes over. The word I selected was ‘perspective’; I was merely hoping to gain some.
Honing in on this word began opening my eyes even more to the different viewpoints I could have in every situation and circumstance. Simplified – I can look through half-full or a half-empty glass(es). I can look at things from the view of American culture or Kingdom culture. I can look at everything through my human eyes or choose to see the world through God’s eyes.
Though I gained perspective last year, in the midst of the insanity that life brought, I was caught up and bogged down with the day-to-day of life, the struggles, and the loneliness. I misplaced my joy.
So this year, I have been on a quest…quest to rediscover joy.
I am not just looking for a fleeting happiness in the moment (though being happy is most definitely a part of it). I am looking for inhabitation.
I want to be filled with joy regardless of the circumstance, regardless of the trial. I want to rejoice always. I want gladness to satisfy my heart. I want gratitude to spill from my mouth. I want to be delighted by my relationship with the Lord, and I want Him to be captivated by me. I want to take delight in the world around me, in my husband, in my children, even in my daily duties. I want joy to become my legacy.
Yesappa, You told me to ask, so, Jesus I ask for fullness of joy; that I may no longer focus of the sorrow, on the anguish of tribulation, but dwell in a house of joy that will never be taken away or lost. Thank You for being the joy of my salvation. Help me learn how to hold on to Your joy forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings – Julie (writing from the U.S.A.)
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sixty-six books in a year 