I believe we will move forward with the knowledge we received going through the trials, confusion, and heartache of this past year. Of course, the mess is not going to disappear going into this new year. There is still trials, still confusion, and still heartache being carried into the new year. Even through the pain and the process, I feel something good for every person reading this.

The Lord knows you have been tired. He knows you have been weary. He knows every tear you have shed. He knows everything has been heavy for you lately. Because of this, I wanted to receive a word for you. I asked the Lord what can I share with you that would help you while going into this new year. When I asked this, I heard Him say, “I am restoring the joy of the pursuit.”

So hear me now, Lord; show me your famous mercy. O God, be my savior and rescue me! Then He broke through and transformed all my wailing into a whirling dance of ecstatic praise! He has torn the veil and lifted from me the sad heaviness of mourning. He wrapped me in the glory-garments of gladness.”

Psalms 30:10-11 (TPT)

As a kid, my Dad used to run around in the yard as I chased after him. “Come on, come get me,” we laughed as I struggled to keep up with him. Finally, I would give up, realizing I was too slow to catch him. I never lost him though. See, everytime I almost gave up, he would smile and slow down enough for me to catch him again. I would lift my head and with excitement, I would touch him with my hand. Then the laughter sprang up again from the joyous chase after my father.

The Lord is slowing down to spring that laughter up again in you. He is stopping right in front of you to make you smile again. He is doing what it takes to restore the joy of pursuing after Him. He knows it has been hard. He knows you’ve been feeling like you are just going through the motions. That is why He is stopping right in front of you so you can lift your head up and touch Him again.

Chorus)

You hide, I seek

So easy to find you

Love when I catch you

You’re right here and waiting

You hide, I seek

“Hide and Seek” Song by Ryan Ellis

This song has been on my heart a lot lately. There is a joy in pursuing Him. I know some of us have been feeling burdened and have been losing that joy. The Lord, like the good Father He is, is restoring that childlike joy.

How could I be silent when it’s time to praise you? Now my heart sings out, bursting with joy– a bliss inside that keeps me singing, “I can never thank you enough.”

Psalms 30:12 (TPT)

I believe the Lord wants to restore your mindset of what a father is so you really can grasp what He wants to do. He wants to shatter any wrong ideas of Himself that you have. He wants to restore the joy of chasing after Him but He also wants you to see Him rightly.

There is something about chasing after a good father. There is laughing and giggling involved. There’s questions involved like, “What is next?!” “What do you want to share with me today?!” “What do you want to do today?!” He is restoring that joy and excitement.

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)

I pray you feel refreshed after reading this and really apply it as we enter into this new year. I bless you and pray your week is full of surprises from the Lord. Thank you for reading!