Year of the Lord's Favor

“He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD's favor has come” (Isaiah 61:2)

Are you broken-hearted, held captive, or depressed? Then this word from God is for you:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon Me, for the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent Me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory (Isaiah 61:1-3)

2012 can be a year of hope, not of failing. 2011 might have dealt you some blows—it did for the whole world—but God is the God of rebuilding. What is it in your life that needs rebuilding? Maybe it’s a past wound you can’t get over; a relationship that left you on the floor; or a worrisome situation so scary that it keeps you up at night. For me it has been feeling not good enough and worrying about my future. These things are like jailers that keep us captive, locked up from experiencing the vibrant life God has for us.

Imagine Jesus as the hero with the key to let you out of your jail. He said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Many of the things you have gone through have been a purposeful attempt to steal from you—rob you of joy, confidence, and love—but Jesus came to restore it all back to you. Where love was stolen from you, He wants to give it back; where depression has held you down, He wants to help you up; and where addictions have kept you in shame, He wants to free you.

You just have to reach up and ask. God said, “If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me” (Jeremiah 29:13). That’s a promise. He doesn’t hide Himself from anyone, and He’s sending this message to you today to give you a glimpse of a better life. So please begin this New Year with hope from God. He has come to set you free.

Let’s take a moment and ask God that:

• 2012 will truly be the Year of the Lord’s Favor
• He would help us look to Him for the great things He has for us
• Global Media Outreach would help bring freedom to the captive this year

Begin the Year of the Lord’s Favor with the rest of the GodLife Community on Facebook We will send you inspiring promises from God, encouragement from other believers, and amazing stories of how God can work in people’s lives. Join by clicking “Like”!