New Territory

Dec 30, 2021

Happy (almost) New Year!

As we wrap up the Christmas celebrations, we begin to look ahead to 2022. Words from a famous ice queen ring in my head this time of year: “Into the Unknown!”

If you haven’t seen Frozen 2, Queen Elsa sings a powerful song that might be your anthem this time of year. We’re headed into the unknown. It’s a new year, with new challenges, and new opportunities. If you’re anything like me, this is thrilling! I am a sucker for New Years resolutions, my notes app chock-full of ideas that I hope will last longer than January 3. For some, this might feel silly, as you see January 1 as just another day on the calendar. And for some, 2022 might feel scary as you enter unknown territory. Whether it’s the unknowns of finances, health, family, or COVID, there are plenty of reasons why “not knowing” brings about stress.

No matter where you’re at, the new year is coming. And whether you’re a resolution addict or a resolution cynic, it’s never a bad idea to reflect a little and set some goals and intentions.

Recently, as I was praying over the New Year and what I needed to learn from 2021, a friend shared a word she felt like God had encouraged her to tell me. She felt like God was speaking over me the phrase “new territory.” I went to God’s word and was immediately reminded of a famous passage you might have heard of before - Joshua 1.

Moses, the man who led the Jews out of Egypt, has just died and God is anointing Joshua, Moses’ assistant, as the new leader for the Jewish people as they move towards the Promised Land. As God installs Joshua as a leader, He tells him that He’s sending him to a new territory.

5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

- Joshua 1:5-9

God repeatedly gives Joshua the instruction to “be strong and courageous” - words that are famously repeated and embroidered on wall art and pillows alike in Christian homes. There are two parts of God’s instructions that stand out to me.

First, God reminds Joshua that He will be with him. This is the source of courage. Joshua was supposed to be confident because GOD was with him, not because of anything in his own power. And second, God reminds Joshua to obey what He has commanded in the law. It’s not enough to just be confident in God, and then go off and do our own thing! True confidence includes surrendering to His commands and will.

As I went back to this passage and thought about this idea of new territory, of confidence in God, of bravery, I knew this was the only resolution for 2022 that mattered. This was what God was calling me to. The kind of obedience and surrender that would abolish fear, bring courage, and open up incredible opportunities for growth. So I wrote it down. It’s on my wall. It’s the goal this year.

I don’t know what your goal is. I don’t know if God has a specific word or phrase He wants plastered on your wall. But I know this:

God wants to do a new thing in you and through you this year.

Whether that’s picking you up out of the pit, or continuing to support you on the mountaintop, God wants to open new doors for you.

And I know He will give you courage and strength. I know He will keep His promises as you enter the new land. All you have to do is surrender, obey, and trust that He’s with you. And then watch as He triumphs in your life.

It won’t be easy, pretty, or perfect. It won’t happen according to our timeline, or in the way we expected. But it will be worth it. It will be beautiful. And it will have an eternal impact.

I pray today you might know that there is more in store for you in 2022. This isn’t the end of the story. He’s got new things for you.