STRONG

“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”

Exodus 15:2

“Search for the Lord and for His strength;
seek His face always.”

Psalm 105:4

My word for 2023 is STRONG. It stands for:

Strength
Through
Reliance
O
N
God

So many times I’ve wished to be stronger—to be more physically fit, more emotionally stable, more capable of completing everything on my to-do list. I want to do it all without help from others and I become upset when I can’t.

But the truth is we weren’t made to do it alone, in our own strength. If we were, there wouldn’t be a need for deep and frequent communication with our Lord!

David fought Goliath, but he relied on God’s help (1 Samuel 17:14-52). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made it out of the fire because Jesus was with them in the furnace (Daniel 3:16-18). And Daniel escaped the lion’s den because God closed the mouth of the lion (Daniel 6). There are so many more stories in the Bible where people relied on the Lord for their strength.

This year, I want to spend more time seeking His face, asking for His help, and listening closer to His quiet voice.

I want to speak of Him more often to others, to share the good news that comes from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I long to encourage more people in their life’s journey and help them to find strength through the Lord!

“If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, it should be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

I Peter 4:11

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for Your constant presence in our lives. Thank You for the guidance You provide and the strength You share with us. As you reminded Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Lord, we long to be strong and courageous. Please help us to follow You.
In Christ’s name, Amen.

Journal: Choose a Bible story such as one above and pay attention to how the people gained strength through their reliance on the Lord. Think of a time when you have relied on Him. Is there something you need His help for now? Write your thoughts here.