The New Year can cause us to feel a mixture of emotions. Perhaps we’re feeling excited about all the things we’ve planned for this year. Perhaps we’re hoping this year will be better than last year. Whatever we’re feeling, let’s have joy this year. Joy isn’t something that’s just reserved for the great times in life. We can even have joy when we’re facing challenging circumstances. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (take a look at Galatians 5:22-23 for a list of the fruits), and is something that’s grown and developed in us through the Holy Spirit. It’s not something we have to grow by ourselves. No matter what happens in our lives, and what’s to come this year, we can have joy because we know for sure that God is with us. When we feel weak and discouraged, it’s the joy of knowing God that can help us keep going. The Bible says: ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ And one of the first things Satan will attack is our joy. If he can get us to start questioning God’s goodness and keep our eyes fixed on our circumstances, he knows we’ll struggle in our faith and in our work for God. When our eyes are on our circumstances, we’ll struggle to feel joy. But when our eyes are on God, we can’t help but feel joy because of who He is, and what He has done for us. Whatever is ahead for us this year, and whatever baggage we’re bringing with us from last year, let’s look to God. He’s the One who already knows what’s to come, promises to be with us, and wants to help us let go of anything heavy we’re carrying. 

What Now?

Write out Hebrews 12:1-2. Put it in a place where it’ll remind you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, no matter what happens this year.