Choose Jesus, Embrace Joy

Happy New Year! I pray the first few weeks of the year have been going well for you. I know we all have various things going on in our lives and that there is much craziness going on in the world around us. 

But there is peace in knowing that the Lord loves us very much, and the fact that He has allowed us to see another year shows that He still sees us, hears us, and has work for us to do. 

Photo by: jiale MA

Even though life gets tough at times, God is our refuge and strength. He steadies our steps, keeps our paths straight (calls us back if we veer off) and keeps our hearts secure through the journey. Knowing He is with us and for us, gives us the hope we need to keep moving forward. 

For the last four years, I’ve prayed about and chosen a word or phrase of the year (thanks Bridget for the suggestion). Doing so helps me to focus on a specific area where God wants to grow my faith. 

This year my phrase is, “Choose Jesus, Embrace Joy.” And Psalm 16:11 is one of my focus verses. The verse is a reminder that in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. Abiding in the presence of God, keeps our joy full. 

Psalm 16:11 NKJV 

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I am looking forward to continuing to learn what it means to choose Jesus daily and embrace joy as I abide in God’s presence. I know it won’t always be easy but I trust that God will always be with me, and that His love will keep me. 

Have you prayed about and chosen a word or phrase for this year? If so, feel free to share it in the comments. 

I pray you would rest in Jesus and find all you need in His love as you go throughout this new year.  

Blessings and Happy 2026! 

In His Love by Sandi Patty
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Author: Dawn

The love of Jesus will never fail you. Thank you for visiting my blog.

29 thoughts on “Choose Jesus, Embrace Joy”

  1. Happy New Year 2026 …WoW, I haven’t heard a Sandi Patty song in years… this really Blessed me and brought back some memories.Praying your year is full of Jesus, Peace, and Joy.

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    1. Thanks Willie! And I’m glad the song was a blessing to you! My mom was always listening to Sandi Patty when I was growing up and I got to meet her once and get her autograph. Thanks for the prayers. I pray the same for you! 😊

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  3. That is a beautiful phrase for the New Year. In His presence there is fullness of joy. You will indeed find joy in Jesus’ presence. I think for this year the Lord wants me to focus on the word “build”, both physically and spiritually, and the key verse that comes to my mind is Psalms 127:1 “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” I pray that the lord will bless you with supernatural favor and blessings for the New Year.

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    1. Thanks Beverley! I really like your word, “build” and the key verse. I think it’s very wise to focus on both the spiritual and physical, because they are both important. I hope to hear more about your journey during the year. Thank you for the prayers. I pray the same for you. 💐

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  4. I love your phrase for 2026. Choosing Jesus and Embracing Joy are goals we should all keep in mind, every day. And I love the verse you are holding onto this year. An excellent verse that points back to dwelling in the Lord’s Presence. My word for 2026 is Steward. I want to be a good Steward of all areas that God has entrusted to me – time, energy, emotions, finances, etc. it takes practice, but I’m trying to push aside the things that take my focus. Thank you for sharing this, Dawn! I pray you have a wonderful week. 🙏🏻

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    1. Thanks Bridget! I have definitely been learning that as I spend time in God’s presence consistently, I am better off! Steward is a great word. It’s a good reminder of the many blessings God has given and the importance of being faithful. I pray you will have a blessed journey this year as you continue to grow in stewardship. I look forward to hearing what God is teaching you. You’re welcome! Thanks for the prayers. I pray the same for you. 💐

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  11. What a wonderful phrase! I love it and my word to add to your phrase is “obedience “. I look forward to embracing the joy of the Lord as I seek after Him more and more in obedience to His will for my life. Let God be God 🙌🏾❤️

    Continued BLESSINGS to you Dawn 🙏🏾

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    1. Thank you! And I love your addition of the word obedience! Obedience should always be a priority in our relationship with God. I’m convinced that blessings follow our obedience. Continued BLESSINGS to you as well! ❤️🙏🏿

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