28 December, 2017

Unashamed - My Unexpected Word of the Year


I never intended to have a ‘word of the year’ this year. I like the concept; I chose one last year, and it was good. But I thought maybe by choosing my own focus I would miss out on other things God wanted to teach me - He should pick my the word, if I have one. It wasn’t a lightning-bolt revelation, and it wasn’t until part way through the year, but God gave me a word. 

Unashamed.

I place a lot of value on being honest and genuine; it’s what I strive to be. But God brought to my attention areas I don’t live like that. I avoid opportunities to share my faith. I choose my words when I’m talking about what I believe – not to make sure the truth is clear, but so it sounds similar to what people are comfortable with. I wonder what people think of my family and friends sometimes. I try to make myself as ‘normal’ as possible, and feel intimidated when someone questions my decisions. I’d rather not talk about my struggles until they’re in the past. I’ve realized I live a lot of my life being ashamed: of my faith and my God, of my friends and family, and of myself, my choices, tastes, and struggles.

I was surprised to find the Bible full of the concept of being unashamed. Before sin, no one was ashamed, which means striving to live unashamed is something God would have us do. He promises so many times that in Him, we won’t be ashamed:

They looked unto him and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. Ps 34:5

…ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. Is 45:17

…and thou shalt know that I am the Lord: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. Is 49:23

For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like 
a flint; and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Is 50:7

Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame… Is 54:4

…my people shall never be ashamed. Joel 2:26 & 27

Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Rom 10: 11 & 9:33


I don’t have to be ashamed. I can make my faith a natural part of conversation instead of trying to hide it. I can answer when someone asks why I do what I do instead of hesitating. I can smile when people I claim do something I wouldn’t do. I can wear what I’m happy and comfortable in without worrying what others think. I can own my decisions instead of justifying them. I want to be bold, brave, free: unashamed.

Just because God’s been teaching me this, I see how it applies to my life, and I’ve experienced it, doesn’t mean I live unashamed all the time. I have insecurities and fears, and want to hide my light under a bushel sometimes. I’ve been busier and more stressed this year, and it’s harder to live unashamed. I’ve been using tiredness as an excuse. But the call is still there, and maybe it’s the next step in teaching me there’s no way I can live like this on my own. It’s got to be His strength alone.

Unashamed isn’t just my word for 2017; I want it to be my life. Part of me whispers it’s too hard, but I know it’s part of God’s plan to restore us to Him and that’s the very best thing. If God will claim me as part of His family, I can own Him, who He’s given me, and how He’s made me.

And now, little children, abide in him, that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28

~

So that’s a big part of what God’s been teaching me this year! I have so far to go, living the unashamed life, but from the tiny experiences I’ve had: it’s the best and most freeing thing. How do you see living unashamed? Did you have a word or focus for 2017? What have you been learning this year?

22 comments:

  1. My 2017 word was 'love' and I felt God calling me to love and to love well. To my surprise, there was so many instances this year where I was to love and to love well and where I needed to show love no matter the circumstance.
    I love how God works, even through one, simple word. <3

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    1. Ah, that is such a good word - it's so encompassing, and always relevant. That's encouraging to hear God using that word in your life. Yes, it's incredible! He can use anything. :) Thanks so much for sharing, and happy new year to you! xx

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  2. I think maybe my 2017 Word was ‘trust’. I feel like God has been teaching me to trust Him 100% with all my my life and with everything outside of my life as well. I still struggle with it of course but He’s been teaching me to trust Him more and more, with all of me.
    Like Kara said, I love how God can work just through one word. :)

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    1. Trust is a huge lesson to learn! It's what a big part of the Christian life is about, really. It's so good to hear your experiences of growing in Him this year, and inspiring to me to trust more too! :) Thanks for your comment, Sarah! May we both continue growing closer to Him this next year! xx

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  3. I don't think I have heard of having a word of the year but I like the idea of it. Unashamed is such a good word, and it looks like you have learnt a lot about what that word means to you and how you'll apply it to your life!
    Simply Me

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    1. Wow, really?! It's something I've found good - although as I said, I'm trying to let God choose the word instead of me. :) Thanks, Vanessa! I appreciate your help thoughtful comments, and hope you have a wonderful 2018! :)

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  4. Man, I relate to this so much. Just the ways you described living ashamed made me really, really uncomfortable for some reason -- and then I realized it was because I do the exact same thing!! It was super insightful and very eye-opening. Thank you for that. I want to be like you and not be ashamed of myself or of my faith or my God. <3

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    1. Aw, Amelia, you're not alone. I didn't even want to admit those things. But I'm so glad it could be an encouragement to you, and we're on this journey of living unashamed together! It's hard sometimes, but with God everything's possible. Thanks so much for your comment! xx

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  5. WOah Jessica, this is big and amazing.
    I'm always amazed by how jam-packed of wisdom your posts are.
    thanks for sharing with us!

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    1. You're so kind, Elissa! All praise to God - anything big and amazing here is all Him. :) Thanks so much for your sweet comment. I hope you have a great new year! xx

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  6. That is such a good word.
    I needed that as a reminder-being unashamed in my faith is something I could definitely work on.
    The word I'd use to describe my faith life in 2017 would be growth. I have learned so much this year and just sprung up in my faith. I cannot wait to see what 2018 will teach me!

    ~Mira

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    1. Me too, honestly - there are so many opportunities for God I've missed or avoided.

      Oh, I like 'growth' - it's so full of hope and promise! I'm glad it's been an exciting year for you, Mira, and all the best for next year (last day I can say that, haha)! Thanks heaps for commenting! xx

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  7. It really shows that you place a lot of value on being honest and genuine. At least, it shows on your blog and in your comments and emails. I know that some people find it a lot harder to be live unashamed when speaking than in writing, though. I'm one of those people. Are you?

    I think you already know my word of the year. When I read you thought that choosing your own word of the year might cause you to lose focus on what God might want to teach you, I immediately wanted to make excuses for myself. But something sounds familiar: "I can own my decisions instead of justifying them." Not only so, but I can have real dialogue with real friends about real thoughts, and I can make myself available to be changed and grown by God when it is needed.

    There were times this year when I delighted in studying biblical vulnerability. There were other times I felt pinned to it on my blog. I found freedom a few times in acknowledging the topic, but confessing that I had other things on my heart and mind and felt they were more important to share. I don't know yet what I'll do this year. Thoughts? What's your intention?

    Thanks again for another post that goes beyond the superficial. Praise God! xx

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    1. Praise God. :) Yes, I do find it harder to speak unashamedly. Maybe it's because there isn't normally time to think through and review what I'm going to say, so my response - which is to hide - comes out.

      Hmm, I definitely still think it's good to choose a topic to study for the year - and maybe leading you to vulnerability was God's way of giving you a word for the year. You're right though; it's about being open to follow God's leading, whatever the case.

      I know what you mean; there were a lot of times I resisted unashamed. My intention with finding a new word, or studying it out? I'm not sure exactly what you were referring to, but at this stage, I'm claiming 'unashamed' as my word for this year too, unless God impresses me differently. Do you have a word or focus picked for this year? I'm not sure if you're planning to do it again, but I was blessed by your year of vulnerability posts! I liked all the different aspects you studied it from, and how open you were about it - it felt like we were growing along with you.

      Thank you for your comment, as always! I hope you're going well, and staying strong in the Lord! xx

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    2. Oh, I just meant to ask how you are (at this point) planning to study "unashamed"? And if you're planning on sharing your journey through your blog, what do you foresee that will look like? Of course, you may not know yet. I don't know for myself. But I do know that I'd like to continue to search out the right balance - studying whatever word it will be out of thirst for God, and not turning it into obligation when I don't feel Him leading me in that direction. Right now, I'm thinking of studying God's Word and God's ways. I've recently felt drawn to Psalm 119, and have come to really love a few select verses. I'm thinking about studying the whole chapter of the course of the year. Praise God for using my posts on vulnerability this year!

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    3. Hmm, I don't have any particular plan in mind, although I would like to share some more on here at some stage, as God leads. :)

      That sounds like a great topic! Psalm 119 has fascinated me with how every single verse mentions God's law/commands/statutes etc. It shows in how high regard David held God's Word! Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading what God teachs you on the subject, if you share throughout the year! Thanks for the reply - it's good to discuss with you. :)

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  8. I don't tend to talk much about what I believe. But there's no way I can shine a light for God when I'm glossing over Him. Thank you for your encouraging words, Jessica, and for this reminder to be confident in Him and to be unashamed of being called by His name. <3
    Jem Jones

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    1. But there's no way I can shine a light for God when I'm glossing over Him. I like the way you worded that! It's so true - I relate to not talking much about what I believe, especially in real life conversations.

      Aw, thanks for your sweet comment! All praise to God. We're in this together. :)

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  9. A little late to the party here...
    This was such a needed post! You'd think we wouldn't have any trouble being "unashamed of the gospel of Christ" but sadly, I find it difficult, even terrifying, to boldly proclaim Christ. That last verse you shared (1 John 2:28) especially hit me hard. Thanks so much for this!

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    1. No worries - that would be me in replying too, whoops.

      Same here, girl. It's only through Him we can truly live unashamed! Thanks so much for your encouraging comment! xx

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