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“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with JOY that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV)

Joy. God placed that word on my heart before 2014 began. Only He knew what the year was going to bring and what I was going to need.

Please don’t mix up the word “joy” with the word “happy” because, really, they could not be more different. Happiness is based on our current circumstances and experiences. Like when you are at Disney World, ice-skating with your family or opening Christmas gifts. Happiness is great. I love being happy! But, happiness is fleeting. Joy, on the other hand, is not fleeting. It is not based on circumstances or experiences. It is fruit of the spirit.

This fruit can continue to be produced regardless of what is going on around us because it is based on what is going on inside of us. Proverbs 10:28 tells us that the hope of the righteous brings joy. You see, placing our hope in Jesus Christ is what brings us joy!

For me, for a number of loved ones, and maybe for you, 2014 contained some difficult moments. To be sure, there were some ups, but there were also certainly some downs. It was kind of tough as I wrestled through some personal trials and decisions. Yet, I have tried to remain joyful by placing my hope in the Lord. And, you know what? I’ve realized that this joy is a holy joy.

It is sacred, precious and difficult to hold onto, yet it is critical to the foundation of faith.

May we all hang on to this holy joy with everything we’ve got as we wrap up another year thanking God for all He has done and as we ground ourselves in hope for the new year.

“Dear Lord, thank You for filling me with joy simply because I hope in You.”

For His Glory

Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
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