TGIF
Tomorrow is the last day of 2022, and many people may be glad to see it go. I have mixed feelings because at least this year there was more stability than the previous two years. The best news is that COVID has pretty much been eliminated from all conversation, and the only view we have of it is occasionally seeing some people still wearing masks which is clearly their right to do if they still feel at risk in any way. The bad news is that much of the stability this year has been due to continuing high inflation, continuing global supply issues, the continuing Ukraine and Russia war and its global impact, and China, North Korea and others continuing to beat their chests over their war machines. The good news is everyone has again been able to get out of their homes to travel and see family and friends, and renew relationships that might have suffered in 2020 and 2021 due to the lingering effect of COVID.
We all need to be grateful for the many blessings that God shared with us in 2022, and also thank God for our challenges as well because they all make us stronger in our faith.
James 1:2-4 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
According to Sarah Young (December 7), Jesus wants us to ask My Spirit to help you view your life through the lens of gratitude. Search for blessings scattered along your pathway – even during your hardest times – and thank Me for each one.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Sarah Young also shares (November 29), As you awaken each morning, seek My Face with hopeful anticipation. Invite me to prepare you not only for the difficulties on the road ahead but also for the pleasures I’ve planted alongside your path. Then take My hand as you begin your journey through the day, and let Me share in everything you encounter along the way – including all the Joy!
Habakkuk 3:18 – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Sarah shared one more time (November 30) Joy is a choice – one that you face many times a day as long as you live in this world. While you journey through this fallen world, I want to help you make increasingly wise choices. You need to become aware – and stay aware – that you can choose to be positive and hopeful moment by moment. Make it your goal to find Joy in the midst of your day. If you notice that you’re feeling discouragement, frustration, or other negative feelings, let those prickly emotions prod you into remembering Me. Seek my face and talk with Me.
Psalm 27:8 – When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
If you are looking for a New Year’s resolution, consider seeking Joy continuously in your heart, according to God’s Word.