I just read a headline on USA Today that today, the third Monday of January, is believed by some to be the most depressing day of the entire year. (Having nothing to do with MLK day, that is just the way the calendar fell this year.) People are coming down from holiday highs, realizing the amount of debt they need to pay off from Christmas, and the daily grind of life has resumed in full force. Whether today, known as Blue Monday, has any researched based merit as a big day of depression is debatable. However, what isn’t debatable is the truth of God’s word that the joy of the Lord is our strength-yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
I opened up the 2017 year at our church with a message entitled “3 Keys To Your Best Year Ever.” And before the newness of the new year wears off, I want to communicate them again not only to my church but to the guy I look at in the mirror everyday-myself! Here are the keys. The 3 keys to my best year ever are:
1). The Presence of God
2). The Principles of His Word
3). The People of His Church
This year, I’ve recommitted to experience God’s presence daily. That is where If find my peace and my power for the day. His presence is my source for strength, wisdom, and ultimately my contentment. Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Thank God for His experiential presence! Daily, I recommit to spending time in His Word and in prayer.
Secondly, I can not live an abundant life without adhering to the principles of His Word. Just read Psalm 1 and Psalm 119:1-2 and you will discover that living according to the word of God is the number one key to living a blessed life. I find hope in the reality that for ever problem I have, He has an answer for me within the principles of His Word. Whether the problem is relationally, financially, emotionally, and even physically, there are patterns and principles in the word of God that will either 1. Protect me in the midst of the problem 2. Provide a way out from the problem or 3. Help me to persevere in the midst of the problem. His Word is life to me!
And lastly, I can not have a best year ever without the people of His church. God has created me for community, not isolation. As we have all heard, isolation is one of the devil’s playgrounds. This year, I need to draw close to the body of Christ. I need to cultivate a closer relationship with one or two believers I have a kindred spirit with. This year I recommit to being thankful for my local church, attending faithfully, and getting involved. The people of His church are life to you and I.
Those are the big 3 for me this year, how about you? I’m not sure if the Blue Monday bug has hit you yet or if it will. But this year, choose joy with me through the presence of the Lord, the principles of His Word, and the people of His church!