I’ve never chosen “a word” for a year. Sometimes I think the Lord points me to a word as the year unfolds; it always feels a little presumptuous to choose a word before I even know what the year holds. But this year Compassion challenged its bloggers to choose one word 2016, and I think it’s time. After all, I start a new job TODAY! (More about that later) This year I need a word to set my course, a course that continues to be full of new territory.
When God’s people moved forward into new territory He set before them, He gave them a word. To be fair, He gave them five words. “Only be strong and courageous.” (Joshua 1) You can read about it here. God had given the words at timely moments before, but they are especially appropriate for moving into new, foreign territory. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Will you have new territory this new year? Maybe you’re hoping to move into something new or somewhere new. Maybe you sense change is coming, but you’re uncertain or afraid. Maybe you’ve arrived in “the new” and you just want to go back to the familiar! The Message puts Joshua 1:9 this way: “Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.” Being courageous means being strong, bold, and brave, not trembling or being timid, but being secure and assured. BRAVE.
We can’t no what’s to come in this new year or any to follow, but we can know our God will be with us in every step we take. That’s a great reason to be assured and strong.
So whatever goals you set for yourself or whatever path unfolds before you, may 2016 be a BRAVE year for both of us.
Have you chosen a word or a verse for this new year?
Read about Compassion’s one word challenge here.
