Recent advertisements tell me there are must-haves for this New Year. The latest trends in technology, finance, fitness and fashion promise to upgrade my life and set my status on successful. It all sounds really good.

Each January offers the gift of a new outlook and new goals. It brings memories of what used to be and a desire for what I hope to avoid. But it can also bring the pressure of getting “it” right or getting “it” done. These are admirable goals for sure. But if we feel unsure, afraid or alone, getting some reassurance is helpful.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT).

After reading this verse, I find joy in my own version of 2022. We can never have too much hope, because there is a zero possibility God will fail.  Even when life feels too overwhelming, there is too much evidence of His faithfulness and love.

I cling to the reassurance that God has personally gone ahead of us. The New Year is not new to Him.

We may find joy in what will or won’t happen, but it is also found in what we believe. Therefore, faith in Christ is my must-have — from the simplest task to what takes me out of my comfort zone. Even if my faith starts to falter, His power still stands. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Nehemiah 8:10 NLT encourages us to remember, “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” This is a needful verse for our times. For some, joy may feel unrealistic as they battle with despair, uncertainty, or fear.

But in this verse, “joy” is the Hebrew word chedvâh. It refers to God’s gladness and His strength. He has the perfect blend of holy delight and all-mighty determination.

A joyful life doesn’t require us to act like we’re happy when we’re not. God welcomes us into His presence, no matter what we feel.

He wants to give us His joy. (Psalm 16:11)

It gives us strength to trust Him in what we don’t understand. (Proverbs 3:5 and 6)

With Him, there is courage to dream again, try again, or try something new. (Isaiah 43:19)

His determined delight in being my God enables me to live with the joy of being His child. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Is there something standing between you and a more joyful existence this year?

I sense anxiety in the world and the air of overwhelm around me. But I hear God calling us to His joy and peace. As we release our faith to Him, we can rejoice in what He does.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for a New Year and another chance to experience what You have for me. Help me live with a delightful determination because Your joy is my strength. In my everyday tasks and my toughest moments, may I remember You’ve personally gone before me to accomplish Your will. I cling to Your presence and Your promise. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT).

Read more about how to Live Your Joy Story here!