I have done a word a year for the quite a few years – 2022: Listen; 2021: steadfast; 2020: (can’t figure out what it was, lol); 2019: (can’t find this one either); 2018: intentional; 2017: dream big; 2016: consistent; and 2015: confidence

As I mentioned last week, PROMISE is my word for 2023. I printed out three pages of verses containing the word promise. I will choose twelve, just as I did this past year, to go into my bullet journal as a reminder to me of God’s promises. The rest will be tucked into the back pocket of my journal as a reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Here are a few of them:

• 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
• 2 Peter 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
•  James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

Aren’t those great?

I keep feeling like this is the year the promises spoken to me will be fulfilled–not only in my writing, but in my personal life as well. I look forward to seeing what God has planned. And even if the promises I’m thinking of are not on His agenda, I will be blessed and honored to serve Him another year.

I was going to do a devotion today, but I think this song is what’s needed.

We all have moments when we don’t feel like we can do what God has called us to do. Read the lyrics without the music.

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can’t

It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand

But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul