"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.
As we embark on the uncharted path of a new year, let Joshua 1:9 be our guiding light. May courage be our constant companion. The command echoes through time, urging us to be strong, undeterred by fear or discouragement. For in every step, the promise resonates, the Lord, our steadfast companion, walks with us. As the days unfold, may this verse fortify our spirits, reminding us that divine strength is our refuge in the journey ahead. 2 Cor 12:9 says; "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I don’t need more resolve for the new year, but rather, I need more of Jesus. Not a resolution that I make, but a revolution that He makes in me. I need Christ in me, revolting against the worldly things that distract me from Him. I need His power to revolutionize my weakness. I need His transforming purpose prevailing over all my plans in the new year.
In the tapestry of biblical narratives, the threads of courage weave through tales of triumph over adversity. Consider the courage of David, facing the giant Goliath armed only with faith and a sling. His story mirrors the strength we draw from Joshua 1:9, an unwavering belief that, despite towering challenges, divine presence empowers us. Abraham's journey into the unknown, guided solely by faith, resonates with the uncertainties of a new year. Just as he trusted in God's promises, we find solace in Joshua's command, recognizing that courage springs from our connection to the divine. The exodus of the Israelites through the Red Sea stands as a testament to God's deliverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As we confront the unknown in 2024, we are encouraged by the echoes of this salvation, knowing that the same guiding hand will part the waters of uncertainty for us.
Ultimately, the Bible's narratives intertwine to form a narrative of resilience and fortitude. The story of Esther exemplifies courage in the midst of peril, reminding us that we are called for such a time as this. Like her, we navigate the unknown with courage that stems from a higher purpose. Each biblical story and verse, contributes to a rich tapestry that fuels our confidence to face the unknown challenges of the new year, armed with the timeless command of Joshua 1:9 and the enduring lessons of faith and courage. Faith is obedience when we don’t see or understand the challenges that face us. If we don't learn to obey and trust God, we’ll miss so many blessings that are in store for us. But if we learn to do what God tells us to do without question, even when it seems absurd and the exact opposite of our natural tendency, then we’re going to grow in faith, and receive abundant blessings. Let’s make responding in faith our focus for this New Year!
A new year marks a fresh opportunity to center our lives around the goodness of God. And God longs for the same fresh start in our lives as he does for his creation. He longs to make things new as the new year begins. I pray that we may gain a godly perspective and celebrate all that God has done and is doing in our lives. May our time with Him this year be filled with His loving presence. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20. Armed with this knowledge gives us courage as we stand with our back to the old year and look forward to this new one. We must cultivate the spirit of hope, confidence, and courage in the promises of God. Therefore, let's leave our worries and fears in God’s loving and capable hands. Our weakness may stop our resolutions from producing a reformed life, but the revolution power of Christ reforms will transform us daily for 365 days, as we learn to seek Him first. We'll certainly face both trying and joyful times ahead, but we must rest assured that He "will never leave you nor forsake you" Joshua 1:5. That promise is enough to celebrate throughout the year ahead!
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