Did 2024 Suck? Read This
January 31, 2025
Hello SUM Nation,
If your 2024 sucked (can I say that on a Christian blog?), then this post is for you: Get ready. Bible, pen and paper.
Lynn Donovan with you here. Open your paper Bible and underline this passage:
Nehemiah 8:9-10
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
So many, MANY Christians experienced a very difficult 2024. We lived through very specific and personal challenges to our family, relationship, finances and health. Sheesh. I lived through my most difficult year of my entire life in 2024.
But this year!!! This is our year to THRIVE in 2025!
And how do we do this. Cast off the old (wineskins) and step into the new. And I have a treasure from scripture to do just that.
If you have been a believer for a while, you have heard this passage over and over:
The joy of the Lord is my strength. Right?
I’ve heard this so many times but until recently I never really comprehended the full revelation of this passage. Like me, you have probably thought about the joy of the Lord as a happy feeling or something similar.
But I’m here to share that the joy of the Lord is SO MUCH MORE. The joy of the Lord, now think upon this, this joy is GOD’S joy. He lives in joy and is joyful about our lives and future. But what is the joy of God?
Glad you asked.
God’s joy is actually all of the following and more: It is of course a happiness, but also it is confidence, surety, provision, deliverance, healing, health, hope, revelation, discernment, power, authority….. All of HIS joy becomes our strength.
His joy gives to us all of these life qualities that lead to thriving. Wow, just WOW!
So, begin your day by praying this: “Holy Spirit, fill me today with the joy of the Lord.”
Then believe you have all these attributes from our good Father in heaven. His joy makes us STRONG.
The joy of the Lord IS OUR STRENGTH. And that is the meaning of this passage.
Now go your way and share your food and drink and know that THIS DAY IS HOLY and not a day of sorrow. But of joy and strength.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you. AMEN