One Word

A few years ago at the end of the year a friend was talking about choosing a word for the next year.  I had often chosen Bible verses for the year and liked the idea of choosing a word for the year.  I chose the word hope for the following year.

In December 2014, I started to hear about and read about the idea of a word for the year again.  I started praying about it and thinking about what word I might choose to focus on for 2015.  God gave me the word 'joy.'

Ironically, or providentially, one of my favorite Bible study leaders, Margaret Feinberg, came out with a new Bible study this month called, "Fight Back with Joy."  More about that in another blogpost!  I am waiting for my copy to arrive.

Instead of just one verse or passage to focus on for the year, God has provided me with twelve, one for each month!  I am interested to see where this journey into joy takes me.

January's Bible passage is Psalm 98.  What a great place to start a new year, remembering the marvelous things God has done for us and singing a new song with all of creation!  I love the line, 'burst into jubilant song.'  What imagery!  I can hear the music when I read those words!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

for He has done marvelous things;

His right hand and His holy arm

have worked salvation of rHim.

The Lord has made His salvation known

and revealed His righteousness to the nations.

He has remembered His love and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;

all the ends of the earth have seen

the salvation of our God.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and the sound of singing,

with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn-

shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it.

Let the rivers clap their hands,

let the mountains sing together for joy;

let them sing before the Lord,

for He comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples with equity.

Creation sings together for joy to the Lord!

I wonder what God has in store for this year.  I know there is one who wants to steal my joy and is already trying.  However, I am going to choose to fight back with joy!!!

Do you have a word or verse you will be focusing on this year?  Please share!