Finding Joy in Being

Part 1: A recollection

Did you have a word for the year? What about a favorite Bible verse or a resolution? If you’ve been with me since last year, you might remember that my Scripture for 2022 was Psalm 34:5.

“Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.” (ESV)

My God-given word: radiant

2021 was a rough one. I overcame a lot of grief. In 2022, I just wanted to heal. God gave me “radiant” with this particular Scripture for a reason. Instead of looking at my circumstances and falling into anxiety, depression, or something along those lines, I’d remember to lock eyes with Him and be radiant. He knew I’d need this perspective in all the things:

• When I was betrayed by people I should have been able to trust
• When I was hurt by church leadership
• When I received rejection letter after rejection letter
• When my gym (and one of my favorite places) closed…and then the other one closed
• When my job no longer felt sustainable
• When the truth came out, but the justice never came
• When I was uninvited to something I cared deeply about
• When all the transitions and life changes happened at once

He knew I’d still need to look to Him when things were good. Like when:

• New, good friends and community came into the picture
• True friends grew closer
• The new gym took me in (despite my lack of skill for their workouts)
• The miracle job was given to me…after I stopped looking for it
• The new church location became home
• I traveled across the country with my mom for a writing conference
• I met my favorite authors and leaders in women’s ministry
• I led in women’s leadership at my (now old) church
• I started Pressed Not Crushed Co. for pressed flower gifts
• I healed, regardless of their choices or what reality looked like

I’m choosing not to be offended by others’ choices. While our paths intersect, their decisions aren’t mine to own, to hold onto, or to care too much about. I’m choosing to feel what I need to, accept reality for what it is, and continue on my journey. God has more for you and me than looking down or around. He has called us to look up.

With God as my Source, the place where I fixed my eyes, I lived radiantly in 2022. There’s no stopping that now. 

Part 2: An anticipation

In 2023, I’m finding joy in being steadfast. Biblically, the word “steadfast” takes on a myriad of meanings in different contexts. The generic definition is to be rooted and firm. God gave me this word. Then I took a “Word of the Year” quiz and got “rooted,” a synonym of “steadfast.” God is planting me here for a reason.

The verse God gave me is Psalm 108:4. The whole psalm speaks volumes for how I go about this new year. Below is verses 1-5, with verse 4 in bold. In this song, David proclaims his steadfast heart and faith for the Lord because the Lord is steadfast in His love for and pursuit of us. It’s a praise song, exalting God for His faithfulness.

"My heart is steadfast, O God!
    I will sing and make melody with all my being!

Awake, O harp and lyre!
    I will awake the dawn!

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.

For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!
    Let your glory be over all the earth!" (ESV)

"O God, my heart is steadfast [with confident faith];
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.

Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!

I will praise and give thanks to You, O Lord, among the people;
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.

For Your lovingkindness is great and higher than the heavens;
Your truth reaches to the skies.

Be exalted [in majesty], O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth." (AMP)

There are two parts of this psalm that I want to highlight about steadfastness:

1. David’s steadfast worship and praise to the Lord
2. The Lord’s steadfast love for us

This year, I’m not only finding joy in being steadfast in my relationship with God. I’m also paying attention to and standing in awe of His faithfulness to me. I’m choosing to stand steadfast in faith – in prayer, in hope, in joy, in all the things – because of my love for God and His love for me.

I have the groundwork laid. The changes took place and I’m finding peace in new rhythms and routines. It’s time to grow deeper roots. It’s time to persevere in these places and harvest the fruit that comes from such persistence.

I’m not going into the new year with big expectations; I’m letting the Lord lead with what He has entrusted to me. So, yes to writing. Yes to traveling. Yes to teaching, serving, church, and outreach. Yes to community. Yes to pursuing all the healthy things.

Friend, if you and I are going to be steadfast in faith, it’s going to require a lot more than just “going deeper.” It’s going to require active obedience, a fervent pursuit of the Lord, and making room for Him to move.

(Expect a resource on this topic in the coming weeks!)

Part 3: An explanation

I’m titling this post “Finding Joy in Being” for a couple reasons. 

One, my goal is to attentively experience God’s joy in the details. (Hence the website name “Consider the Joy”.) His perfect provision will look different, as what we need changes day to day. In 2022, I found joy in being radiant. In 2023, I’m focusing on finding joy in being steadfast.

Two, because we find joy from being with God, not from doing. We can’t strive for God’s love, acceptance, or approval. He freely gives it to us because He wants to be with us. 

All the good things flow from being, not doing…strength, joy, peace, power, hope, radiance. Wherever we find ourselves, whatever word God gives us, He promises to provide all that we need in Himself. So, let’s abide in God and watch the radiance, the steadfastness, and all the good things come from Him.

Resource

My annual lock screen is here! I chose a picture of the sky from my travels this year (before God gave me this psalm) and it’s such a clear depiction of Psalm 108:4. Click and hold on your phone to save!

Reflect

• What was your word, Scripture, or resolution for 2022? How did things go?

• What is your word, Scripture, or resolution moving into 2023? What are you anticipating to come from that?

• Listen to this song (“Worthy” by Elevation Worship). Spend time worshiping God for all He has done this year and praise Him for what He will do in 2023.