I have chosen trust as my one word for 2018, specifically trust in Jesus. I am becoming acutely aware that it cannot be separated from obedience. I must trust Him and then obey Him, even if I don't see how it will work out, or I don't want to obey, or I am struggling to find the logical reasonable thing to do and it seems that fear wants to take over. Fear, that is how I came to choose trust as my word for this year. I was afraid to make a decision about work and it took me eight months to finally do so, because I was afraid. Afraid that God didn't have me, but He always does, I just need to trust Him.
Trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. That someone is Jesus and that something is the faithfulness of my God. Maybe I should add a qualifier that says for me it is Jesus, my God and saviour... but I think He is the only person in whom trust will never be broken for everyone everywhere. The hope is that everyone will experience it, know it, and trust it's truth.
I have walked through 2017 with the banner of peace over me. Jesus has been my peace through situations at work, with family, as a mother, with my friends, as I have traveled, in decisions, in love, and even in my finances. It was a wonderful year with the highlight being a gift of peace in being married to the husband only Jesus could have found for me. Now I have to walk in a new path for 2018 in more ways than I had imagined. I will need to exercise my trust in Jesus probably more than I even know or understand. I will have to be obedient to His leading, His precepts, His word. And from what I know of choosing a word for the year, this will challenge me and I will be constantly reminded that I need to trust and obey if I want to be happy in Jesus... just like the old song says; thank you honey for reminding me.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 112:7
He is not afraid of bad news;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 56
