My One Word for 2018 – Strength
In those quiet moments of rest from 2017 (you can read about that here), the Lord was renewing me, day after day, week after week. What I didn’t realize was that He was preparing me for something much bigger than what was on my radar at the time. Digging deep in His Word, He whispered the words I needed to hear. Depend on Him. Rely on Him. He is my strength when I am weak. Towards the end of 2017, I could feel a difference in my physical body. Pure exhaustion was no longer a daily companion which allowed me to dream of renewed health on the horizon along with “what’s next?”. The Lord gifted me with this verse one morning:
“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” Isaiah 30:15
Out of this verse, My One Word for 2018 was revealed.
STRENGTH
When we wait for the Lord, in the RESTing, we will be STRENGTHened. (Psalm 27:14) Resting precedes Strength. The gift of strength is in the obedience of the resting. It is in the resting that we are renewed and strengthened. So beautiful. The rest is honored.
What goals are on the horizon for 2018?
Now is the time to dream big
“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
Now is the time to catapult health into greater healing
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29,31
Now is the time to use brokenness to help others
“He calls the wounded to be the world changers.” Ann Voskamp
Now is the time to dig deep with relationships
“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” 2 Timothy 4:17
Now is the time to challenge comfort zones
“Not by my strength, but His.” Zechariah 4:6
Now is the time for radical forgiveness
“God allows us to feel the frailty of human love so we’ll appreciate the strength of His.” C.S. Lewis
Now is the time to love fearlessly
“Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone.” Joshua 1:9
Now is the time to rise.
“Still. I rise.” ~ Maya Angelou
Do you have a word for the year? What do you need encouragement on? Feel free to share in the comments.
