For some reason, winter feels longer than other seasons. Although it is assigned a three-month period like any other season, it seems to extend beyond the first signs of spring. Many of us look forward to brighter days, not only for warmer weather, but also for new hope and joy.
If you’re ready for a brighter season, here are four joy-filled things you can look forward to.
1. A joyful challenge
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:13 ESV).
Has God ever given you a mission? Was it something you knew without a doubt that God was calling you to do? Assignments from heaven give us joy. We pray over them, we prepare for them, and we step into them with joy. When the Lord puts something on our hearts, He provides everything we need to make it happen.
• Step into a new ministry role.
• Serve the community in new ways.
• Open our home with warmth and hospitality
• Raise money for a noble cause.
2 Corinthians Joyful assignments always coincide with our spiritual gifts, as Paul states in 12:7-11, “Spiritual gifts have been given to each of us, that we may help one another. For some the Spirit gives wise advice. To some the same Spirit gives a special message of knowledge; to some the same Spirit gives great faith; to others the gift of healing; to some the power to perform miracles; to others the power to prophesy. Some will be given the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or another spirit, and others will be given the ability to interpret its content. Only God gives all these gifts. ” (NLT)
What a joy it is to know that the Holy Spirit will distribute these gifts as He sees fit. And when we willingly approach these tasks with heart and hand, God’s purpose will be accomplished. God’s upward call is something to look forward to every day. We “earn” to share with those in need. We can uplift the body of Christ. And we can serve our talents with purpose and strength. Rekindle this joy in your heart as you look forward to your next divine mission.
2. A path full of joy
“For I am about to do something new. Look, I have already begun. Can’t you see? I will make a path in the wilderness. I will make rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV)
If your journey has been darkened by disappointment lately, I encourage you to take a look through the telescope of God’s perspective. Step closer to the lens of God’s perfect will and peer into your joyful future.
Things don’t always feel this bleak, my friend. Brighter days await. The light of God’s love will eventually lead you out of the wilderness season. Every faithful step you take will be lighter, easier, and filled with joy. As the beloved words of Psalm 16:11 say, “You make me know the way of life; you fill me with the joy of your presence; you fill me with the eternal joy of your right hand.”
Imagine a path illuminated by light in front of you. Joy fills the air as we move forward with anticipation for the future. The dark path behind you is a thing of the past and you will run with joy for the name of the Lord. As Psalm 119:32 says, “I run (with purpose) in the paths of your commandments, for you give me a willing heart.” (AMP)
My friends, there is something beautiful just around the corner. Because God is about to do something new. Perhaps God has already begun. Open your eyes to wilderness trails and wilderness rivers. God has given you something to look forward to right here and now.
3. Joyful achievements
“He that began a good work in you will carry it on until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV).
Sometimes, results are evaluated poorly. We are often told not to place too much emphasis on individual accomplishments, and in many ways that is good advice. There is wisdom in guarding against pride and selfish ambition. But this doesn’t mean we discount what God is doing through us. Many outstanding achievements are worthy of praise.
• Complete your project for others to enjoy.
• Write a book to help people on their journey.
• Sell your artwork for the glory of God.
What results are you hoping to see in the next few days? Is there a special project you’ve been putting off that needs to be restarted? Is the Lord prompting you to step into a new job, a new field of service, or a new field of study? Pray for guidance and receive God’s answers with joy. This could be a new season worth celebrating!
4. Fruits full of joy
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, then ask whatever you wish, and it will be done to you, so that my Father may be glorified, that you may bear much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples.As the Father has loved me, so I will love you. I have loved you, and if you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my father’s commandments and abide in his love. ” (John 15:7-11)
When we’re stuck in the dry season when we don’t see much fruit, we can feel lethargic and unmotivated. We see others around us doing great things for God and wonder if we too can make a difference. But in our efforts to bear fruit, we forget the most important thing: steadfastness.
• Abide in the Spirit of the Lord.
• Follow God’s Word faithfully.
• Follow God’s will
• Stay in the love of the Lord.
There is nothing we can do apart from Jesus. God’s life flows through us by the power of the Spirit. God’s Word comes to life as we read it, meditate on it, and believe it. When we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, the pressure to perform is lifted. And God’s love moves us forward and bears fruit of joy.
Stay in Jesus and look forward to brighter days ahead. And as the Lord said in John 15:7, “Ask anything and it will be done to you.” Don’t be afraid to look to God for new hope and joy. Let’s pray for a sunlit path, a divine mission, and a rewarding accomplishment. I look forward to the long winter days melting into the warmth of spring. A new bright season begins!
More resources for brighter days:
7 prayers for brighter days ahead
Healing for a brighter tomorrow
7 easy ways to brighten someone’s day (and yours)
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/wirbnbrinf
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and a regular contributor to LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and subscribe to her weekly post, “Disappointment Can’t Win.” She lives with her family near her favorite place on earth, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
