Courage, Trust, or Commit?

Courage, trust or commit? Which will direct me in 2015?

In a previous post, I shared how the new year is an appropriate time to commit to reflection and recalibration of your life, to look forward and dream. It’s a time to realize what needs to be done and what to eliminate.

I’ve prayed about these things, asking God for direction through one word and Bible verse that will guide me. I’ve chosen a word the past two years and have found this beneficial. “Intentional,” my word for 2013, helped me focus on finishing a manuscript. My book, The Grace Impact,  was accepted by CrossRiver Media for publication. My word for 2014 my word was “abide.” This word guided me through the months of editing, reminding me to focus on the Lord. The word anchored me to the Lord when dealing with health situations and financial concerns. It encouraged me to rest and worship. Resting in the grace of God is secure when life changes fast. Abiding was a great word for many reasons–I really hated to change it! I will continue to abide even though my word has changed.

So what word will I commit to guide me in 2015? I spent a few days thinking and praying over this. I looked ahead to see what will be happening for me this year. The biggest thing is the release of The Grace Impact in the spring. I have much to do to get word out through a marketing plan and social media. Anymore, any author has to participate in marketing their work. Honestly, it’s a daunting task, but very necessary. I accept the challenge and will implement some ideas I’ve learned from writer’s conferences and groups.

The word “courage” first came to mind. I will need courage to step out of my comfort zone. It is an internal word, about motivating me. But I desired something that would connect me to the Lord in a deeper way. I thought of the word “trust.” This word helps me look beyond myself to the Lord. I looked up verses for both those words, was encouraged by the Word.

Then I wrote down on my legal pad–

Courage (to step out of my comfort zone) and trust (in the Lord) = the way to commit the results to the Lord.

COMMIT is my word for 2015.

I will commit my actions to the tasks of the book launch, while entrusting the results to the Lord.

I’ve also committed to healthier eating with less sugar and more fruits and vegetables. I’m learning how to enjoy green smoothies. They aren’t so bad after all.

I will continue to abide in the Lord as I learn to trust Him in new ways.

Proverbs 16:3 is the verse that will guide me.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.”

The Amplified Bible renders it this way:

“Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.”

I will turn to these words whether I’m feeling confident or cautious. When the central motivation is to represent the love of Jesus, then He promises to bless us in what He leads us in.

While at a friend’s house the other day, I shared with her my one word. Glancing at the kitchen counter, a Scripture Tea bag tag that caught my eye. My friend said I could keep it. I think I’ll put it on my desk where I can see it.

If you select a word for the year, how did you decide on it?