My verse For 2014 ~ Romans 12:12

 December has been a very difficult month of one illness after another. Nothing serious, just a sore throat, stomach bugs, and a seemingly endless headache. It makes me all that much more relieved to be finished with 2013, and begin afresh with 2014.

 I've been thinking for a while about what my 2014 verse might be, and the one word that kept coming to me was 'joy'. Somewhere along the way I've lost my joy. The trials and drudgery of life, the disappointments we've experienced in 'church life'....I've allowed all of these to steal my joy...and my song. I haven't even written a song this past year, and only a couple the year before. Something is not right!

 So, I went looking for verses that speak of joy, and somehow ended up in Romans 12. So many verses stand out in this chapter that are so needful in my life right now.....

 Given the circumstances of one of my daughters, Romans 12:19 hit home.."Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." In the case of my son in law, I will have to hold on to the fact that one day he will reap!

The end of verse 16, "Be not wise in your own conceits." is another one to ponder, and to put into practice!

 But this is the verse I have chosen as the one I will try to keep in the forefront of my mind this year:

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

I believe this is a sure formula for restoring to me the joy of HIS salvation! And that is sure to bring a song to my heart!

Wishing you all a wonderful, joy filled new year!