Here we are again; a new year and a clean slate. But then again, do we not get a clean slate every single day? Why is it so different on January 1st? Many people make resolutions for the new year. I have stopped that several years ago. You know why? Because if I make resolutions I will brake them within a month. I know myself too well.
One thing I do though every single year: I search for a word that will guide me through the year. This year, the word is courage. Guess what, I am not the only one with that word. I was happy that my friend Joan (also a co-writer at Laced with Grace) has the same word. How awesome is that?!?
Over the last couple of days I contemplated about the word courage. What does it really mean to have courage. Wikipedia defines courage as:
“Courage is the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.”
Yes, I want to confront fear and uncertainty, and go after my dreams with full force. There are several verses in the Bible that encourage me in my journey of 2014. One of course is Joshua 1:9, my focus verse for 2014:
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 ESV)
The other verses that really speak to my heart this morning are from Romans 8:
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:37-39 ESV)
My dear friends, no matter if you make resolutions or have a plan for 2014, one thing is for sure: God will be with you wherever you go. Trust in Him and let Him guide you in 2014.
Love & peace,
Iris
Happy New Year! Great word for this year Iris!
I love that we are sharing the word courage for 2014! And with God by our side, we can step bravely into our future! I love the verses you posted above. The first one that I’m memorizing for this year is: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord, your God is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 I am so glad that we can always count on Him. He will never leave our sides, Iris! What a blessing!
Trusting Him, Joan