Chazaq

Do you pick a word for the year?
This year, Dean and I decided to pick one together. We each spent time thinking and asking God for what the word would be and after comparing notes and discussing it we came to Chazaq.

Chazaq is a Hebrew word that means to be strong, to prevail, to hold firm under pressure. It means choosing courage through action, not waiting for bravery to magically appear. You will find “Chazaq” used in the Bible when God wants His people to stand, move forward, and keep going even when fear is loud.

Life is like that, right? Loud. Crazy. Stress-filled. It can drown out God’s voice. It can squish the peace out of us. Even with all that, we can advance without fear. We can do that because of Who God is and His faithfulness to us.

The last several months God has been taking me through lies that I believed about myself. Buying into those lies created beliefs in me that were not true and played out in how I walked through life in relationships and situations. I always knew my default was fear and insecurity. I could go there pretty easy and would have to work my way out of it. At this time in my life, I can honestly say I am not who I used to be when it comes to fear and insecurity. I love that God is bringing me into another layer of wholeness and freedom in this area.

God does that for us! He kindly and gently takes us through our past pain and trauma to bring healing and freedom.

I find this word both comforting and challenging.
It’s comforting because I know that God is with me - He’s proven that for years - I can rest in who I am in Him and His power. I do not need to strive, I can advance without fear. I do not need to stress out or freak out, I can stand firm, solid while I trust Him.

It’s challenging because life already brings more than enough pressure we need to stand firm under and situations that we need to prevail in. It makes me a little nervous about what may be coming if God is giving us a heads up or if just a key - a life hack - on how to live in this crazy, stress-inducing, sleep-stealing life. I’m going to go with the second half of that sentence. 😉

It’s about knowing God is with you in the hard parts. It’s about knowing that God has already won and resting in that.

“Chazaq means:
When fear shows up, courage becomes a choice.
When exhaustion hits, God supplies what you lack.
When pressure mounts, you do not fold. You prevail.” ~ Dave Adamson

I may not be fearless, but I can choose to move forward.
I may not feel strong, but I can choose to stand.
I may be exhausted but I know God will supply what I lack.

Chazaq provides clarity and restraint in my life. It will help to govern me as I walk out this year. I can live Chazaq because I know God is with me no matter what I face.

I’m not sure what you are facing right now or what this year will hold for you but I know God will be with you and you can live Chazaq.

I would love to hear your word for the year.
Have an amazing day, Loved of God!
All My Love
~ Jodi

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