For some reason, winter feels longer than other seasons. Though it’s assigned a three-month period like every other season, it seems to extend beyond the first signs of spring. Many of us long for brighter days to come, not only for warmer weather but for renewed hope and joy.
If you’re ready to enter a brighter season, here are 4 joy-filled things to look forward to.
1. Joy-Filled Assignments
“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 an assignment? Something you knew without doubt, He was calling you to do? Heavenly assignments provide us with something to look forward to. We pray about them, prepare for them, and step into them with joy. When the Lord presses something on our hearts, He equips us with everything needed to fulfill it.
• Stepping into a new ministry role
• Serving our communities in new ways
• Opening our homes with warmth and hospitality
• Raising money for a noble cause
Joy-filled assignments always match our spiritual giftedness, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:7-11, when Paul says, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person, the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another, the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to one person, and to someone else the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” (NLT)
What joy in knowing the Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He sees fit. And when we step into these assignments - with willing hearts and hands - God’s purpose is fulfilled. The upward call of God is something to look forward to every single day. We “get” to share with those in need. We get to edify the body of Christ. And we get to serve in our giftedness with purpose and strength. Let this rekindle joy in your heart as you look forward to your next holy assignment!
2. Joy-Filled Pathways
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
If your journey has been darkened by disappointment lately, I encourage you to take a peek through the telescope of God’s perspective. Step up to the lens of His perfect will, and peer into your joy-filled future.
Things won’t always feel this dark, my friend. Brighter days are ahead. The light of God’s love will eventually lead you out of your wilderness season. Each faithful step you take will become lighter, easier, and filled with joy. As the beloved words of Psalm 16:11 say, “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.”
Allow yourself to imagine an illuminated path before you. Joy fills the air as you step forward with eager anticipation for the future. The darkened road behind you is a thing of the past, and you run willingly for His name’s sake. As Psalm 119: 32 says, “I will run the way of Your commandments [with purpose], for You will give me a heart that is willing.” (AMP)
My friend, there’s something beautiful just around the bend. For God is about to do something new; perhaps He’s already begun. Open your eyes to the pathway in the wilderness and the river in the wasteland. He is giving you something to look forward to right here, right now.
3. Joy-Filled Accomplishments
“He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 NKJV)
Sometimes, accomplishments get a bad rap. We’re told not to put too much emphasis on personal achievement, and in many ways, that’s good advice. There’s wisdom in guarding against pride and selfish ambition. But this doesn’t mean we downplay what God is doing through us. Many outstanding accomplishments deserve celebrating.
• Finishing a project for others to enjoy
• Writing a book to help people on their journey
• Selling your artwork for the glory of God
What accomplishment might you look forward to in the days to come? Is there a special project you’ve put on the back burner that needs to be restarted? Has the Lord been prompting you to step into a new job, new field of ministry, or new area of study? Pray for guidance and receive His answers with joy. This could be a new season worth celebrating!
4. Joy-Filled Fruit
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this, my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 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. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:7-11)
When we’re stuck in dry seasons without seeing much fruit, we can become listless and unmotivated. We see people around us doing amazing things for God and wonder if we’ll ever make a difference. But in all our striving to produce fruit, we forget about the most crucial thing: abiding.
• Abiding in His Spirit
• Abiding in His Word
• Abiding in His will
• Abiding in His love
There’s nothing we can do apart from Jesus. His life flows through us by the power of His Spirit. His Word comes to life when we read it, meditate on it, and believe it. The pressure to perform is lifted when we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. And His love propels us forward, producing fruit with joy.
Abide in Jesus as you look forward to brighter days to come. And as He said in John 15:7, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Don’t be afraid to ask God for renewed hope and joy. Pray for sunlit paths, holy assignments, and rewarding accomplishments. These are things to look forward to as long winter days melt into the warmth of spring. A new, brighter season is about to begin!
More Resources for Brighter Days:
7 Prayers for Brighter Days Ahead
Healing for a Brighter Tomorrow
7 Simple Ways to Brighten Someone’s Day (and Your Own Too)
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/wirbnbrinf
