My word for 2016: Happiness

Hello and welcome to my first post of 2016!
I'm a bit shocked at writing this post, as I
I haven't picked a word for the year for myself for a few years. I hadn't planned on choosing a word this year till recently. 
But because last year had SO many challenges for me and I gave so much of myself and felt so drained of energy by the end of the year. it just seemed appropriate to decide on a specific word for 2016.

Definition from Dictionary.com

"The state of being happy."

synonyms:

pleasure, contentment, satisfaction, cheerfulness, merriment, gaiety, joy, joyfulness, joviality, jollity, glee, delight, good spirits, lightheartedness,well-being, enjoyment;  exuberance, exhilaration, elation, ecstasy,jubilation, rapture, bliss, 

blissfulness

I've been reading and praying about the word - happiness - in Scripture, in Christian theological writings and blogs. I'm learning that happiness is not something God doesn't want us to have. In fact, the opposite is true. It's not that we shouldn't pursue happiness, but instead we should understand where to pursue it and what we base it on. Hopefully, in 2016, I will learn and grow and share about what this word really means. And ultimately allow true happiness through Christ to fill every part of my life. I pray that, as I share, others may find happiness in their lives, too!!

My Scripture for 2016:

Psalm 16: 1-11(specifically vs. 6,9, & 11)

Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

    I have no good apart from you.”

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,

    in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;

    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out

    or take their names on my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;

    you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

    indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

    in the night also my heart instructs me.

I have set the Lord always before me;

    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

    my flesh also dwells secure.

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

    or let your holy one see corruption.

You make known to me the path of life;

    in your presence there is fullness of joy;

    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

A favorite song by Chris Tomlin that comes from Psalm 16:6



Here is another verse. I have chosen to be my specific verse of the year:


Feel free to share you new "word" for 2016 in the comment section, if you have one!

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