For the past three years, I’ve chosen a word and Bible verse to focus on during the new year. This year, my word is courage, and my verse is Joshua 1:9.
Webster’s New World Dictionary defines courage as the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it; quality of being fearless or brave; valor.
I dislike driving. The older I get, the more difficult it becomes. And the Interstate is the worst with people flying by me at fifteen to twenty miles per hour over the speed limit.
This week I had an eye doctor’s appointment. A drive that could have taken me twenty-five minutes took me at least ten minutes longer by avoiding the highways, and it was worth it to me. But I’ve found that I don’t care to drive the back roads either. Here in Tennessee, the roads I often drive on are hilly, narrow, and winding with drop-offs along them. Not wanting to drive causes a problem when I need to go somewhere or meet with someone.
I need to face this difficult situation before I become a hermit. I need courage. Fortunately, I know the Lord promises to be with me wherever I go. My strength and courage grow in knowing He is by my side.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9, NKJV
I need courage in other areas of my life, too, but I’ll spare you that list. Below, I created an acrostic, using the word courage, of areas to work on to draw closer to the Lord in 2023 and to develop more courage in my life.
Call upon the Lord with both big and little decisions.
Open my heart to Him in worship.
Unite with others for fellowship and accountability.
Remember the Lord is always with me.
Allow God’s love to lead me—not fear.
Grow in His Word.
Endure through the hard times and never give up.
May your year be filled with love, joy, peace, and courage. And please share below your word or verse of the year for 2023 if you have one.
Webster’s New World Dictionary, 2nd college ed. (1984), s.v. “courage.”
Photo by Jason Leung - Unsplash