The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)
This past year was a hard year. It yanked the joy out of me. But I really like joy. I like laughter. I like hope.
From listening to me you would think that I like crankiness. And depression. And that I enjoy a hearty portion of irritability. It’s as if I have taken on an Eeyore worldview.
I have been thinking about what it would take for me to wake up and feel a sense of expectation at what the day holds instead of dread at the thought of What is required of me? What would it take to turn my heart inside out, empty it of the sadness and fill it with hope?
Related: Scripture and Prayer for the New Year
I know that some of my sadness comes from losing a dear friend recently. But I also know that some of it comes from choosing to focus on the hard things in my life instead of choosing to see the beauty that each day holds. Jesus said that He came so that we could have life and have it to the full. He came to offer joy and hope in the midst of our sadness. In spite of our circumstances. I want to seek Him out and embrace the joy He has for me.
I am on a mission to be joy-full this year. I am making a decision to ask Jesus to reshape how I think—to transform me by the renewing of my mind. I am setting out on a path that is headed toward seeing life differently and embracing the loveliness that is already surrounding me. Why don’t you join me?
Faith Step: Put on your favorite upbeat worship music and dance your heart out for ten minutes. Remind yourself that Jesus has come so that you can live life to the fullest and that He has joy for you today.
Read More: Inspiring Quotes for the New Year from Norman Vincent Peale
