I AM NOT GOING TO WISH YOU A "HAPPY" NEW YEAR.

Yes, you read that right. I am not going to wish you a "happy" new year and the reason is I believe there is something much better, much more important, than a "happy" new year.

Think about how we use the word "happy".

• "I would be happy if..."
• "I deserve to be happy."
• "Whatever makes you happy."

There are several things wrong with that kind of thinking such as...

• The focus is on yourself when all you are worried about is being "happy".
• The method of being "happy" is dependent upon getting to be or do what you want or think you deserve.
• Being "happy" is only temporary.

Think of it this way, you may be happy this week or you may be sad, hurt or worried. People who are hurting don't feel too "happy" right now because of what they are going through. So what is better than "happy" new year? Having a BLESSED NEW YEAR. [By the way, these two words, "happy" and "blessed" are often in translating verses such as Psalm 1:1 but the word "happy" does not have the same focus as the examples above. To be "happy" in the Lord is to be content in the Lord.] 

So why is "blessed" better than "happy"? Notice the contrast of these three statements compared to the ones above.

• The focus is on God from Whom all blessings flow. 
• The method of being "blessed" is being content in the Lord regardless of your circumstances. [Philippians 4:11-12]
• Being "blessed" is eternal.

So I am wishing you a "Blessed New Year"... one that will be filled with days of God's blessings upon you regardless of what your current circumstances are. Focus on God. Live for God through His Son, Jesus Christ and then see what happens.