Will Your New Year Be Joyful?

Happy New Year!

We wish it to others. We claim it for ourselves. And we plan. Oh, yes, we plan. By reflecting on the past; projecting into the future; making lists; creating a perfect schedule; etc. And all goes well for a day or two … maybe even a few weeks. Until real life happens.

And then happy disappears.

Life Is Hard

Trouble. We all know it’s coming. The Lord even prepares us: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Still we express surprise and angst when it hits.

We desire and expect to be constantly happy, but in this broken world, that’s unrealistic. When sin entered, peace and bliss fled.

Being Happy Is Fleeting; Being Joyful Can Be Lasting

It’s not that we’ll never be happy again. Of course, blissful moments exist. The healthy birth of a baby, family gatherings, an evening with friends, a promotion, a simple date night, a delicious meal, a delightful activity. Many happy moments occur, but our happiness only lasts as long as the “good” things do. Introduce frustrating and sad situations and our pleasure dissipates.

But there’s good news! Happy circumstances will always be fleeting, but for those of us who know Christ Jesus, joy can be lasting. Joy is a gift, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is not based on our circumstances, but on our salvation … on what the Lord Jesus has given us on the cross and through His resurrection.

Joy and Sorrow Coexist

Because Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, gave us the greatest gift of eternal life, joy and sorrow can coexist. Sadness over difficult circumstances—the death of a loved one, loss of a job, a broken relationship, poor decisions by children, loneliness—is real and understandable, zapping our happiness.

But we can still be joyful because none of these troubles are lasting. All of us in Christ will live again, having eternal life with our Savior, and the things of this world are temporary. These provide reasons for a deep and lasting joy.

Happy & Joyful New Year!

Of course, wish everyone you see a Happy New Year! After all, we do desire good circumstances for our loved ones. But maybe also consider extending them a Joyful New Year, an everlasting gift.

So, my dear friends and family members, as one year slips into another, may I be the first to wish you a Happy & Joyful New Year! May you experience many wonderful circumstances, the peace of Christ in the harder ones, and lasting joy as you celebrate the promise of your salvation. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” 1 Peter 1:3 CSB

Dear Lord, thank you for providing every reason for me to be joyful. I am grateful for your gift of a Savior and for the gift of joy the Holy Spirit delivers. While being happy is fleeting; you’ve given me reason to be joyful amid the trials of life. May I cultivate that joy by being in the Word and reminding myself of my salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Reflections: What do you most desire in this new year? Does it promote being happy,  being joyful, or both?