Have you noticed how certain words always pop up during this season—as though signing them on greeting cards or singing them in carols will somehow bring about the promises they claim? I’m talking about words such as Peace! Hope! and Joy!
What’s in a word anyway?
As Christians, we clinch tightly to these words since they do have biblical promises connected to them. Here are just a few examples (with added emphases):
- “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
- “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31
- “The joy of the LORD is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:1
So, what do these word promises have to do with us? Actually, plenty—if we take time to unwrap their potential in our day-to-day lives.
Make it personal this year!
Of the three words above (Joy, Peace, or Hope), choose one and claim it as a promise for God to bring about in your life this coming year! Share this promise with your family, and a specific way you’re praying for it to happen—such as, “I’m looking for God’s promise of joy in my work for the coming year.” Or, “I’m believing God to help me have more peace and less stress in my friendships at school.” Another might be, “I trust that God will give me hope as I trust Him to provide for our family next year.”
And then, trust God to follow through with His promises! He keeps His word in every way and shows kindness to those who love Him and keep His Laws (Deuteronomy 7:9).
Make it real!
We can also follow God’s example by fleshing out the same principle. How? By keeping our promises in the coming year. For example: to love and cherish our spouse, to serve the Lord with gladness, to raise our children in the ways of the Lord, to honor our parents, to show kindness to others, and so many other ways!
Enjoy the many promises of God during this holiday season and throughout the coming year!