In my 2016 January newsletter, I shared about starting in December to pray and ask God for one word to focus on throughout the upcoming year. Although I’m not always clear what it is right away, for five years he has answered that prayer. If you would like to read or reread that newsletter, just cut and paste this link into your browser: http://conta.cc/2fQOKTl.
My word for that year was “joy.” Although one friend thought I had a great word, I was much more cautious as the verses that had caught my attention were ones like James 1:2,”Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
But here, a year later, is just a sampling of what I’ve learned on my joy journey. Although I found many Biblical references and meanings of joy, this is the definition I compiled: joy is an emotion of well-being deep within my soul that may or may not be related to my circumstances.
1. Joy can be found in the smallest details when we slow down or sit still.
Early one summer morning I sat on a pier and pondered the delicate details of a spider web that was revealed by the angle of the morning light. Glancing around, while the morning dew evaporated in the heat of the sun, I also noticed little streams like smoke arising from the metal peaks of the pilings along the water. Savoring that moment enabled me to truly delight in God and his creation.
2. Joy isn’t dependent on wonderful feelings or positive situations.
If we waited for a desired outcome to experience this feeling, we would be robbed of the fleeting joy we can experience in the midst of unwanted challenges. So often life brings an intermingling of sorrow and joy. But when we find things to be grateful for like friends who don’t abandon us when life gets messy, there is an inexpressible joy we get to experience. Sarah Young in her November 24th devotional of Jesus Calling writes, “You give Me thanks (regardless of your feelings), and I give you Joy (regardless of your circumstances).”
3. Joy is found in the presence of God.
Several Scriptures talk about complete joy or a full measure of the Lord’s joy. There is a special pleasure in knowing we are not alone and that he communicates with us personally. In Psalm 16:11 NKJV we read, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” Jesus talks about remaining in his love in John 15, so that “your joy may be complete.”In John 17:13 NLT we read, “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.”
4. Joy is to be shared.
As believers, Peter (1 Peter 1:8 NIV) talks about a special joy that is ours.”Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” Like every gift from God, joy is not for our pleasure alone but to give to others.
Today many are stressed, filled with uncertainty or fear, so once again we all need to be reminded to share the message of this Christmas season, “Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere” (Luke 2:10 The Voice).
Would you like to begin this tradition of asking God for a word for the year? Here are my suggestions, plus results shared by one newsletter reader, who took the challenge for 2016.
1. Specifically pray that the Lord will direct you to your word for the year.
Do not doubt that God speaks to you. While it is not usually with an audible voice, get still, pray, and listen to what word God brings to your mind. You may not be certain, but write it down and then continue to pray and watch until you have a sense of where he is leading you. For example, Deb said, “After I prayed and asked for a word for the year, ‘word’ as in ‘word of the Lord’ popped out at me on January 2nd.”
2. Pay attention to what Scripture says about your word.
Deb became curious and she learned in 1 Sam 3:1 that God’s Word was rare in Old Testament days. In 2 Sam. 22:31, she was reminded that God’s words are flawless and in Psalm 119 she learned that God’s Word convicts us of sin, shines light on our paths, and prepares us for what is ahead.
3. Record in a journal or on your computer what God reveals to you during the year.
Having a permanent record is vital. After I asked Deb about her word this year she emailed, “Thanks for asking me about this. I forgot that I put away my journal months ago. I just now found it and reread my notes. Wow! I got some real gems.” Thankfully Deb had taken the time to write down what could easily have been forgotten.
4. At the end of year, look back at what God has revealed to you.
Oneof Deb’s key principles was that she lives only by God’s Word (Deut 8:3).”This one made a big impression on me, and gave me confidence,” she said. “I wrote in my journal that “I live only by every word that comes from the mouth of God (not by food). One word from God and I’m dead-despite all my efforts otherwise. Likewise, one word from God and I stay alive-despite anyone else’s efforts or my mistakes and failings.” She said, “Looking back at my word for the year is really neat. I felt called to lead a new Women’s Bible study effort at my church this fall. (I had no idea I would do such a thing and it didn’t even exist in January.) I believe God prepared me for that responsibility by leading me to focus on His Word this year.”
If you would like to read more about choosing one word for the year, try Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber. When Debbie took the time to intentionally focus on a single word–such as prayer, trust,or surrender–for a whole year, this act changed not only her, but those around her.
Now it is your turn to take the challenge for 2019. If you had a word for 2018,please be willing to share with it us on Facebook along any wisdom you gained.
