One Word

I mentioned in a recent post that I am not one to make New Year’s Resolutions. It just feels like additional and unnecessary pressure in my life that I don’t need. As I have been reading through Facebook postings this past week, I have noticed a number of my friends making one word resolutions and posting a link to the One Word website (www.oneword365.com). This caught my attention, so I began to investigate. I had never heard of the website, and was intrigued with the idea of choosing one word that would define a personal goal and direction for the year ahead.

This is a kind of resolution that I am willing to make. I try to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord on a daily basis, but this idea adds an element of focus. Unfortunately, I feel scattered most of the time on all levels…physically, mentally, spiritually. I need focus, and anything that I can do to focus my attention and goals in the right direction (toward Christ) is a good thing!

After giving it some thought and prayer, I have selected my One Word for the year.

Courage

As my first step toward courage this year, I’ll just “keep it real” here. All too often, I operate out of fear. I am very guarded about how much of myself I share with others for fear of judgment, or worse, rejection. When I think about this, I feel convicted, because fear is evidence of deeper issues…pride, self-reliance, and a weaker faith in God than I would like to admit. Fear causes me to hesitate, and sometimes not act at all.

Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
I cannot effectively serve my brothers and sisters in Christ when I am hesitant and fearful.

1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."
I need to pursue a better understanding of what it means to be perfected in love. I know that I am forgiven for my sins because I have accepted Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Now I need to walk in that with courage (and confidence!).

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline."
God is not the author of fear. He has given His children power, love, and the ability to be self-disciplined through His Spirit.

God has called us to be courageous.

Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 31:24 says, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.”

It is interesting to note that we are called to be strong, but take courage. The Greek word for courage in these verses is a verb.

I need to be strong in the Lord and take action in my life.

With the help of my Father in heaven, and under His abundant grace, I resolve to live this year with

Courage.