This Month’s Theme:
A Joy That Endures

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14

Artist’s Reflection

We have all waited for something in our lives—whether it’s a sign from God, healing, a direction to take in life, or an answer to our whys. And as we wait, we might get frustrated and disappointed.Doubt starts creeping in and we start losing our joy. But God’s word reminds us to be strong, to take heart, and to worship Him, even while we wait on  the Lord.

Worship is important because it helps us to keep our joy.  Nothing can steal our joy and hope in Him for He is the source of it. Worshipping while we are waiting for an answer is not the easiest thing to do, but it redirects our focus and helps us set our sights on God and His power, instead of dwelling on the uncertainties and unhappiness of our present situation. Worship helps us trust that He is working even as we wait, and in the end, we will definitely taste and see the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 34:8).

—Emily Ho

Join in the Conversation

It’s almost time to wrap this year up. 2020 has brought with it its own unique set of challenges, and most of us have been affected one way or another by this year’s events.

But despite everything that has happened, we can still remain confident that we’ll see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalms 27:13-14). In fact, Christmas is the perfect reminder of God’s goodness and of His unconditional love for us when He sent His only son, Jesus, to rescue and redeem us more than 2,000 years ago.

This new normal Covid-19 Christmas, let’s give thanks for the gift of salvation, which reminds us that enduring joy, eternal life, and everlasting love is found only in Jesus. 

Got a testimony to share on what enduring joy looks like to you? How have you remained joyful despite your less-than-joyful situation? Or how has God shown Himself faithful when you feel like your faith is in tatters?

Here are some subthemes to get you started:

  • Growing in Endurance
  • Growing Contentment/Joy
  • Growing in Faithfulness

Topics to Explore

Growing in Endurance: Waiting well, challenges, conflicts, perseverance, remembering God’s goodness, grieving, hard lessons, dealing with pain and suffering, unanswered questions, discouragement

Growing in Contentment/Joy: Joylessness, simplicity, trusting God, financial security, comparison, insecurities, loss, rest, being emotionally healthy, guarding our hearts, thankfulness, gratitude, fresh starts

Growing in Faithfulness: Creative ways to keep praying, building spiritual disciplines, being watchful in prayer, worry/anxiety, fasting, day-to-day faithfulness, finishing well, combating disbelief/doubt