Every year I pick a theme. At different times I have had theme songs or theme bible verses. For my overall “where I am going this year” I like to have a yearly theme.
In thinking about the New Year and my theme for this year, I had some difficulty getting the ideas to come together. After a while, I finally figured out that it would just take time. And since that time will be spent searching the scriptures and putting together the lessons God will be teaching me this year, I can only say, I will enjoy it, mostly.
For the last several years I have been working through the same verse in Deuteronomy. I been through do not fear, do not be dismayed, be courageous. Several of these have taken more than one year to understand and attempt to incorporate in my life.
This year is about strength. I have felt drawn to strength in songs and bible verses. I started wondering why I needed strength. I mean, I needed courage and to learn not to fear when everything in my life started changing. My three children moved from high school to college and I started working fulltime and then changed jobs to a high-pressure type of job. So, now that I am now learning about strength.
I mentioned this new fear to my daughter who reminded me that I needed to take it one step at a time. I said, but! And she said, well, he told me to be a warrior. Just take it one step at a time.
So, for this year, I say, Lord, be the strength of my life. Strengthen my feeble hands and knees. Strengthen me with your power. Strengthen me according to your word. You are my strength and shield. You are my refuge and my strength. You will keep me strong. The joy of the Lord is my strength. You are the strength of my heart. You will strengthen and protect me.
So I will not fear, for God is with me, I will not be dismayed for you are my God. You will strengthen me and help me. You will uphold me with your righteous right hand.
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. I will be strong and courageous. I will not be afraid or terrified for God goes with me, he will never leave me nor forsake me. The Lord himself goes before me and will be with e, he will never leave me nor forsake me. I will not be afraid. I will not be discouraged.
How is God speaking to you? What is your theme?
