We’ve been saying it and hearing it: “Happy New Year!” It’s what we do. My ministry colleague sent an email that challenged that sentiment. She wrote,
“May 2026 be far beyond a Happy New Year. May it be a year of joy as we serve Jesus. . .”
The difference between happiness and joy is that happiness depends on the circumstances in which we find ourselves. For the follower of Jesus, joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is a gift that lives within us, a choice we yield to. God lets us tap into joy, along with the other fruit or virtues—love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, recorded in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23. Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit in us, not by that job promotion or friend’s compliment.
As I sped along the dark, wet road to my son, Ray’s so we could spend his Christmas gift cards, I planned to fill my tank (gas is cheaper where he lives) before I picked him up. My tight schedule included a grocery pick-up time expiring at 6 PM. Full tank – check. But he was delayed by fifteen minutes. I could’ve puffed in impatience, checking the dashboard clock constantly. Instead, God reminded me of the audio book chapter I wanted to replay in preparation for a writing project. That delay proved a joyful respite from worry by absorbing riveting writing.
My prayer for 2026 is that we will experience joy and satisfaction in fulfilling the plans God has for us by always listening to Him. This year let’s choose joy!
(Originally posted in 2022)
A Goldilocks Life 
Hi Lynn, The Lord will be always with us as we go into the new year! He will be spreading his love for us to share and care for each other. All we have to do is believe in the Lord Jesus! Bea
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Jesus is the center of our lives if we trust in Him to save us! And what joy He gives!!
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