Does the beginning of 2020 seem like eons ago? It may have been just 3 months ago, but, wow, has a lot happened in that time… Did you start this new year of 2020 out strong, full of hope and anticipation, only to have slammed on the brakes with everything coming to a crashing halt in light of what is happening in the world? What in the actual world…
As you can read about in my January blog post, I absolutely love New Years and the anticipation of a brand-new year ahead. Like many people, it is a tradition of mine to pray and ask the Lord for a “word” for the New Year – kind of like a theme of what I’m going to be growing in and working on in the new season. I was totally expecting Him to speak the word “vision,” or “focus,” or “clarity,” just because of the obvious 20/20 cliché. This word was practically handed over to us all on a silver platter, right? Plus, I had heard about a lot of other people declaring that over the new year, both personally or for the corporate church at large. Wouldn’t He say the same thing to me? I mean, having a clearer vision for your path sounds awesome! Sign me up!
The Word of the Year (for me!)
But, nope. That is not what He spoke to my heart. The word He gave me for 2020 was: courage. <insert heart a little deflated, and a really, God?> I’m going to admit: I wasn’t very pleased to hear that… my first thought was why would I need courage unless something potentially scary or risky was going to happen that You were going to call me to do – can I trade this in for a new word that is more fun and safe? I’m pretty comfy with this life, and not lookin’ to change things up… I got the butterflies all up in my stomach going in to 2020. However, I calmed myself down by remembering His goodness in the past, focusing on the fact that He is always with me, and that I don’t ever need to be afraid of my future – even if there are challenges ahead. < See January post >
Interpretation
At the time, I interpreted this word from Him to mean He was going to call me to be more vulnerable, unhidden, and it was going to be a year of “stepping out” more. I was given the opportunity to speak at three different churches since 2020 started, and that took some courage. Additionally, this blog has taken a TON of courage for me – flinging wide open the doors of your heart for this here world-wide-web to see and judge me isn’t the most fun thing in the world for me… As I look back on my very narrow interpretation about what this word “courage for 2020” meant, I can see that my interpretation of the application of the word was very introspective, and all about me. However, now I can see that this word is SO much bigger than little ole me – which is why I felt led to write and share this very personal treasure of mine. I pray that it encourages you in this uncertain time!
My Journal Entry: 1/17/20
As if writing this blog wasn’t vulnerable enough for me (ahem, hello courage!), I’d like to share with you my journal entry I wrote back in January when I was spending time praying about this word from the Lord and asking Him to share with me more about it. In light of everything that has transpired in the country/world since I wrote this down, I am in awe of this sweet gift I can look back on, hold onto, and I want to share it with you. This is what I wrote on January 17th, according to how I heard Him speak to my heart:
“cOURage : Do you see the word inside of courage? OUR – it is us, together! Courage is a “we-thing.” I am with you always, God Immanuel. It’s not just your life, your dreams, and your actions – it’s ours to do together. Partners. Take heart. Have courage. We are doing this together.
Hold your peace. Stay steady. Keep your eyes focused on me. Straight on… I’ve got your back. It’s covered – your backside is not exposed or uncovered – My wings are covering you. There’s new sandals/shoes of peace for your feet – for walking in a spirit of peace and restoration and the ministry of reconciliation. I’m strengthening your legs to stand firm – like pillars that can’t be moved. There is strength, power, and faith to hold fast and stay steady; arms that reach towards me with constant hunger for more of Me, and hands that are tender and compassionate – and that only pick up what I tell them to pick up, and are OK with letting things go that need to be released. You’ll have shoulders that carry the authority I place on them with grace and dignity and confidence; and thoughts that are pure and holy, and fixed on things above.
This year sets the stage. Be kind to yourself. Continue to practice rest. Sow good seeds this year. Go slow. Slow yourself down. Be at peace.”
He is unchanging
So, did you enter into 2020 with a word or a phrase that you felt would be the focus of the year? I just want to shout out to everyone – these circumstances we are now in does NOT void out that word or that dream/promise you were believing for! If your word had to do with vision or clarity, perhaps He will give you creative vision for how to recover from COVID’s impact on your life. Maybe your clarity word has to do with getting a healthier perspective on what matters most in life, and making some changes to support your clear, renewed priorities…
Remember your word over 2020. Go back to it again and revisit it. This word is still relevant to you in THIS year! Perhaps this word will end up being a necessary tool and resource for you amidst the crisis, or in recovering from the crisis later this year. Your interpretation of what you thought your word might mean or what it may look like this year may need to be tweaked – just like mine did. But, His words – just like His character – are unchanging. They are not bound to circumstances. They don’t come true for us according to how things are going around us. The Truth is still the truth. How we apply the truth or the lens by which we see the truth may need adjusted, but His word is unfailing and it will accomplish ALL that it was sent forth to do.
Feeling hopeless about the future of 2020 and the ramifications of what COVID19 is going to have on life as we knew it? Please go read my January blog post, and consider following that method I wrote about regarding how to re-align your thoughts with hope.
I may not fully know right now the full extent of just how much I’m going to need that “courage” word this year. There are still uncertainties ahead for all of us… but, I know the One who will be with me always, giving me cOURage, because it is a “we-thing.” He holds my peace and makes me steady. He quiets my thoughts and takes away any fear or anxiety. He is my rest. I’m praying especially for courage right now for you and your family!
There are gobs of scriptures about courage… Here are just a few from The Passion Translation:
“Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord, Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting – for He will never disappoint you!” Psalms 27:14 TPT
“We have great endurance in hardships and in persecutions. We don’t lose courage in a time of stress and calamity” 2 Corinth 6:4 TPT
“So cheer up! Take courage all you who love Him. Wait for Him to break through for you, all who trust in Him!” Ps. 31:24
“At the very moment I called out to you, You answered me! You strengthened me deep within my soul and breathed fresh courage into me.” Ps. 138:3
“Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage.” 1 Corinth 16:13
“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in Me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in Me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have overcome the world!” John 16:33 TPT
“I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead, be courageous!” John 14:27 TPT