As the year draws to a close, I’m reflecting on my one-word. Alignment. I hoped it meant the situations I wanted to change or goals I wanted to achieve would align with my desires by year’s end. A bit of that has happened. But aligning with God’s will is a lifelong process of following Christ’s teachings by putting His will above my own.

After all, alignment involves making adjustments so that something functions optimally within its intended design.

Surprisingly, my one word was both an invitation and an illumination. I discovered how easily I can become misaligned with God’s will. Even minor shifts in my perspective can lead to significant steps away from His intended purpose. Much of my disappointment is the result of my over-committing, then over-functioning, and eventually having to get over the fact that I got my alignment process all wrong.

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved.)” (Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT)

This verse underscores the depth of divine compassion and grace available to us, especially when we find ourselves distant from His perfect will. Despite our missteps, God’s mercy offers renewal and restoration—an invitation to realign our lives with His everlasting love. I’m saying yes to the invitation. If you are too, here are 5 ways I’ve chosen to finish the year (and begin the next year) with joy.

Be honest. Putting what we face or what we feel into words is not always an easy task. But it can certainly be a liberating choice. Scripture teaches us God always desires for us to be truthful. From our conception to our sin to every situation, it helps to remember God’s heart.

“But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there” (Psalm 51:6).

As we bring our most heartfelt feelings to God, He offers us His wisdom. It is His way for us to walk in the principles and power He has for our lives.

God can also lead us to His ambassadors to help us with the weight of what we need to be lifted. Trusted friends, clergy, and licensed Christian counselors are particularly helpful when what we need to share is complicated. I’m thankful for the compassionate and wise people who support my need to be honest when I need God’s help to regroup.

Be present. Yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries can blur our view of today’s blessings. But a lot of good can happen by sensing the meaning of a moment. Whether you’re enjoying a beautiful view, spending time with someone you love, or making progress toward a goal, is anything distracting you from what God wants you to see?

Being present enables us to sense the moments God has for us, so we won’t miss the moments we need.

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (Hebrews 12:2).

Be grateful. It’s been said that a thankful heart is a happy heart. I agree. But gratitude can feel distant if life is difficult. I find that appreciating the smallest expression of God’s goodness can encourage my heart and stir my faith. Consider focusing on something you’re grateful for. And yet, we can also invite God into any hurt or struggle that stifles our gratitude. 

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:7).

Be open. Our limitless God has countless ways to show us who He is. “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship” (Psalm 19:1). But He also reveals Himself to us in deeply personal ways. From the forgiveness of sin to the fulfillment of a dream, if we’re open to how He moves we won’t stay stuck in what doesn’t happen – or what hasn’t happened yet. “For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV).

I can always tell how open I am to God by how much I am willing to trust Him. And as I do, there is one more thing that prepares my heart for joy.

Be ready. It means living with a sacred anticipation. This is not a constant preoccupation about how or if God will move. Rather, it is the assurance that God always knows the best way and best time to move in every situation. In my humanity, there are times I may not understand His choices. At times, my prayers may seem unanswered, or life may feel unfair. But the truth is God is always at work displaying His faithfulness in my life. If I’m not yielded to who He is, my expectations become my insistence for things to go my way. But I’d much rather be ready for the testimony He longs to give. (see Isaiah 30:18)

Hence my one-word for next year is rhythm! (Stay tuned for more on that later.)

As the year ends, what’s important for you to finish? As the year begins, what’s important for you to start? Maybe you’re reading this and the calendar is not nearly as important as your situation.

As you review the 5 points, note what inspires you. Also note what informs you of how you’re shirking back instead of moving forward in God’s grace.

This is your journey. But it’s also your opportunity to discover what’s next in your joy story.

SUGGESTED PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for endings and beginnings. But You are also with me in all the in-between moments – when the endings are on the way and the beginnings seem far away. As I desire to be honest, be present, be grateful, be open and be ready, I receive Your mercy and grace. I ask for Your wisdom to guide me. May Your strength sustain me. May Your power protect me and may Your joy fill me all the days of my life! In Jesus’ name, amen.