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I wanted to regain the joy of my salvation. To be a more joyful mama. To count it all joy.
A lot went on last year. The stresses of trying to majorly declutter my home with two very young, very active kids, without help, while trying to figure out being a mama of two and nursing both of the kids got to me.
I lost my granddaddy.
I lost focus.
While joy is not happiness, I did lose some joy.
My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.Psalm 119:28,41-42
Jesus used Scripture to fight Satan. The Word used the word.
I am printing and posting these Scriptures around my home to help keep me focused.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:4-9
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Psalm 30:11
What are some verses that you turn to when you need to focus on joy?
I don’t think you can break any rules with one word 🙂 and joy is an awesome word to repeat! My one word is hope this year : http://razella.com/2016/01/01/one-word-2016-good-bye-2015/
May Joy abound in your year!
I appreciate your focus on joy this year! It’s an important fruit of the Spirit, and one we often neglect. It’s so easy to excuse away our lack of joy, isn’t it? May our Lord grant us joy in His presence, and joy in His service! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Grace & Truth!
I think it’s wonderful that God has given you the same emphasis two years in a row. He is full of grace and truth, and he will lead you toward joy! Blessings in the new year!
I’ve seen others use the same word for a couple years, I think you are not alone!
In fact, my very first One Word back in 2012 was “joy” and sometimes I need a refresher course …
Looking forward to hearing about all God has in store for you in 2016!
I love that you are listening to the Lord and leaning into joy again this year. Obviously Jesus has unfinished business with you and this word. It will be good, very good.
Aww, I don’t think it breaks the rules! I love that you are honest enough with yourself to know that you’re going to keep going until you lay hold of it! Coming to you from The Loft!