Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2013: The Year of Joy!

Happy New Year!

I came across the following on Facebook last week...

Been pondering and praying about my ONE WORD for 2013.

Last year, my word was EXPECTANCY... I kept a journal of Scripture, quotes and graphics that the Lord showed me throughout the year.

Are you choosing ONE WORD or ONE VERSE this year? Want to share?

This post piqued my curiosity as I've prayed/thought about a word or verse before, but once chosen it's always been left at that. I was delighted with the idea of seeking out whatever word/verse I got throughout the year - in words, in graphics, in whatever! I'm in, and my word for 2013 is JOY!

I was challenged via email by a friend on my birthday to read the book of Philippians in the Bible in one sitting and be ministered to by it. Over a month has gone by, but it was the first thing I did this morning - reading the 'book of joy' to begin this new year of joy off right. Several things jumped out at me as I read this short book:

  1. Paul was imprisoned when he wrote his letter.
  2. He wasn't focused on himself, but on others.
  3. Paul challenges us to 'do everything without complaining or arguing'.
  4. His goal: 'Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.'
  5. Paul's charge to us: 'Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice!'

These items made me realize that although our lives (or certain times in them) may be difficult, none of those difficulties need to define us. We can choose joy! I take that as a personal challenge this year. What about you?



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