New years are usually known as a time for a fresh start. The beginning of a new year is typically when people create resolutions, make big and small goals, and create lists of what to do more of and what to do less of. This is all good stuff. We need to create goals so we don’t stay complacent. We need to strive to be better than we were the day before. I created a list instead of a resolution this year. I never follow through with a typical new years resolution to lose so many pounds by the end of the year; it’s too constricting. This year I made a list of things I want to do more of and bad habits that I want to intentionally work on. Some things on this list include: pray bigger and bolder prayers, serve others more in my home and community, read the Bible more, eat less sweets, and read more books. The best part about this list is that I feel like it’s doable. It doesn’t constrict me with a specific number of books to read or books of the Bible to get through or even sugars to count in my daily eating - it’s just a list of things that I want to be more intentional with.

As the new year comes you can radiate joy by asking God to come into your heart and letting Him tell you those things you need to be intentional about. Be prayerful. Ask Him to help you grow as a person this year. Pray big prayers about the year and He will point you in a direction. Even though the new year has started already, it still matters. Even if you don’t know or realize what direction God is pointing you in until the end of January or so, it still matters. Radiating joy in the new year isn’t about following a specific timeline and it’s not about listening to what the world says we should do, but radiating joy in the new year is about inviting God into our lives, focusing our attention on Him, and seeking what He wants for us in this new year.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” ( 1 John 5:14)

As you continue to radiate God’s joy in this new year remember 1 John 5:14. Be confident when approaching God. Listen to the Spirit and be obedient in what you hear God telling you to do.

I hope you have the best start to 2019 and I can’t wait to see how God continues to work in your life. Thank you for being a faithful servant of the Lord and for being here today!

xoxo,

Rachel Marie