Not burst in the sense of a balloon bursting but bursting with joy! That should be our resolution this year – to burst with joy. I hate the same New Year’s resolutions that we profess each year. I vow to lose weight, I resolve to be more patient and kind to others or I promise to pray more (well, I do want to do that). But instead of making promises that will most likely only last a week or two, let’s just keep it simple. Let’s burst with joy like a sunrise coming up over the ocean in the newness of the day, or the best fireworks show you’ve ever seen with its continuous burst of color and light. I want you, my friends, to burst with joy this year, even when there is no reason (you think) to be joyful. There is always something to be bursting with joy over – Jesus! Just because the Christmas season will be over soon and the Magi have delivered their gifts to the Baby Jesus, it’s only the beginning. We celebrate every year with ringing in the new year, but really, it’s just another day. There will be both joys and sorrows that will creep into our lives in the coming year, just as last year. As I look back on the past year, I want to burst with joy because I have so much to look forward to. Each of us has so many possibilities to create and hold onto inside our own fireworks and experience the amazing sunrises as we walk our journey with God. Dear Lord, help me to feel your burst of love with every single breath that I take this year. Forgive me for the times that I’ve closed my eyes to the incredible bursts of blessings that you’ve put in front of me and failed to thank you. You are the reason that I breathe, you are the reason I can smile, and you are the only reason that I can love, basking in your forgiveness.
“Lord! I’m bursting with joy over what you’ve done for me! My lips are full of perpetual praise. I’m boasting of you and all your works, so let all who are discouraged take heart. Join me, everyone! Let’s praise the Lord together. Let’s make Him famous.” Psalm 34 (A song by King David composed after his escape from the king when he pretended to be insane) The Passion Translation® is a registered trademark of Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Copyright © 2020 Passion & Fire Ministries
From God's Lips 