As we come to the tail end of the year and reflect upon our life, we may have mixed feelings on all that have happened. 

Some of us maybe feeling high as they had achieved their goals. Some may feel disappointed that their desires have not been fulfilled yet.

Other than the tangible goals in life, there is another goal that we can go for, which is to go after God. This is one goal that is within your ability to achieve and that you will be well rewarded for.

Whether the year has been good or bad, whether you are feeling high or low, put them all aside. Cast aside all distractions. Come back to the secret place to pray and Seek God, to read His word.

There is such increasing joy in knowing Him and walking with Him, that He wants to give to you. In Ps 27:1-7, joy is mentioned thrice in a progressive way. From "joy" to "Greatly Rejoice to "Exceedingly glad". They show the type of joy that we can find in God.

The first is the joy in God's strength. As believers we are not meant to rely upon our own strength. We are to learn to lean upon God, to trust Him and obey His word.

God wants to strengthen you from inside out. Whether you will achieve your tangible goals, you need to start from within. You need a strong spirit, a strong mind and a strong heart.

Next we progress to "Greatly Rejoice".

The second joy is the joy brought about by our salvation in God. God has saved us from the penalty of sin by sending Jesus to die on the Cross for us. We are spared from the sting of death and we can greatly rejoice of the gift of eternal life in Christ.

God also wants to cause us to greatly rejoice through His blessings of goodness and making us most blessed forever. He is our great heavenly Father and these are the wonderful blessings of God for us:

1. To give us our heart's desires and grant our requests.
--- Our needs, our hopes, our dreams and goals shall be fulfilled.
2. To give us life and Length of days forever.
--- He shall keep us safe and strong in our spirit, soul and body.
3. To give us glory, honor and majesty.
--- He shall bring us up to another level of elevation, promotion and recognition.

The third joy, which is the greatest joy of all is being "Exceedingly Glad", which comes through being His presence. Psalmist David said it well in Ps 84:10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. God has created us to fellowship and commune with Him.

There is no greater joy than being in the presence of God. When you encounter Him, when you experience Him tangibly and hear His voice speaking to your heart, your life will never be the same again. It will give us the greatest inner joy and satisfaction that will transform us from inside out.

Therefore, as we approach the end of 2017, let us end it well by another new beginning by approaching God. And as we seek Him, there is such fullness of joy and blessings awaiting us this coming 2018!

Ps 21:1-7
1 The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord ; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! 2 You have given him his heart’s desire, And have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah 3 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head. 4 He asked life from You, and You gave it to him— Length of days forever and ever. 5 His glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him. 6 For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. 7 For the king trusts in the Lord , And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, as the year is coming to an end, I just want to thank You for the grace that You have shown in my life. I may not have fulfilled all the goals I have set yet. But I thank You for those that You have already given me breakthroughs in. You are good and faithful and You are always with me in all that I do. One goal that I want to set and to pursue in my life, is to seek You more. I know that there is no greater joy and satisfaction, then to seek You. I pray that as I seek You with all my heart, I will experience Your presence and glory and be exceedingly glad. Let the joy of the Lord be my strength! I love You Lord and I want to experience more of You. Jesus, be the anchor of my soul in the coming new year. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

God bless,
Hazel Ashley