Joy in the Journey

As 2010 ended a few days ago my facebook status read "Good riddance to 2010".  Though not a complete list, I did write a post a few weeks ago that outlined some of the difficulties my family and I faced this year.   I had never been one to think of January 1 as a "new start" because,the blending of two years never seemed that significant.   2010 was a different story and I'm more than happy to have seen it leave.   Based on what my friends have been saying online over the past few days, I'm not the only one who has felt this way.

Last night my husband and I went to church. While the pastor didn't necessarily frame it in that context, God spoke to me about the trials we'd experienced in the previous 12 months.  The point of the message was that "God's joy comes through transformation, not substitution"

I am well familiar with James 1:2-4: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything" as well as James 1:12:  "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."  During my financial struggles I clung to those verses.  While I'd never want to re-live those times I PRAISE GOD that I went through that and am immeasurably thankful for that period of my life.

As Jesus told his disciples the night before his crucifixion, there is some joy that can only be experienced after periods of intense pain: "A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."  John 16:21

As I look back on 2010 I'm not sure what God was doing in my life since the difficulties we faced happened around us, not directly to us, but my perspective has now changed.  Instead of looking back on the past year and bidding it "Good riddance" I am focusing on looking back and finding the joy in the journey . . .