Choosing a word companion each new year provides a singular focus within the events of that year. God revealed my 2023 word a few months ago, weaving a three-fold cord with my 2021 One Word, Joy, 2022 One Word Resilience and newcomer Hope as the 2023 One Word candidate. Pursuing the power of Hope throughout 2023 involves trusting the strength of this three-fold cord woven by God.
At times, a myopic vision of life obscures the hand of God as it carefully weaves events, trials, significant moments, and even the mundane vicissitudes of life into meaningful cords binding our hearts to His.
Experiencing God move me from a place of timid happiness to scandalous Joy in Christ, forging a deeper trust in Him, resulting in Resilience, which birthed a relentless Hope, positioned me for my 2023 One Word Journey.
becoming acquainted with hope

As I pondered pursuing the power of Hope in this new year, many aspects flooded my mind. After all, one of the facets of my work here at Serenity in Suffering involves speaking Hope into our suffering.
No stranger to Hope, my mind began looking at my new friend from a perspective of getting better acquainted.
Romans 5:1-5 illustrated the three-fold cord God wove with Joy, Resilience, and Hope, which became my starting point.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Highlighting the words which illustrate Joy, Resilience, and Hope, either directly or in a nuanced form, I saw God’s hand over the past two years with my One Word journeys, leading me head on into Hope for 2023.
headstart with hope
While last year’s start with Resilience seemed a bit slow, Hope poured out of my heart and into my writing like a waterfall after the rain.

My first post of the year, “A New Year: A Book of Blank Pages” introduced Hope, followed by “Cultivating Hope in the New Year”, and “The Key to Overcoming Overwhelm”, followed by two more posts to come on the topic of Hope on January 23rd and January 30th!
Since Hope rests deeply within Joy and Resilience, God tenderly hid my new friend within my heart until the time was right for a full embrace.
pursuing the power of hope
Already off to a good start pursuing the power of Hope in 2023, I anticipate a robust journey of discovery in the months ahead.
For as Romans 8:24-25 reminds me, we are saved by Hope, but not a Hope which we see, but one which boasts so much more.
Taking the first timid steps into 2023, I grasp the sovereign hand of the God of Hope, while holding fast within my heart the Joy which fuels resilience through choosing to view God’s goodness as mercy in trials.
Subsequently leaning into God on every hard path, as Hope binds me nearer my Lord to Thee.
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
“While last year’s start with Resilience seemed a bit slow, Hope poured out of my heart and into my writing like a waterfall after the rain.” Beautiful. This is such an exciting journey indeed, Donna. Hope is so powerful and so necessary in all our lives. I love tagging along behind you and picking up your insights. 🙂
Lisa, I am excited for this year’s One Word Journey-powerful is certainly true, and inside of just one month I have held onto the power of Hope with my mother’s sudden death and my serious health crisis. I am learning to accept God makes no mistakes in the choice of a One Word!
Hope is such a powerful word, Donna! I’m so glad to hear, “Hope poured out of my heart and into my writing like a waterfall after the rain.” How encouraging! My word for 2023 is leadership and has been painstakingly slow in coming forth, but I trust the Lord will lead me.
Lisa, Hope is one of the most powerful words and concepts God gives us! Leadership is a BIG word Lisa, but I am confident God has something very special for you in it!
Hope is my blog’s theme as well as my month’s theme. I believe many yearn for Hope today but don’t realize Christ is the answer. I’m grateful we know Him and pray more will call on His name!
Tammy, Hope is the breath of our souls, I think. But yes, true Hope can only be found in Christ and His redemptive work.
Romans 15:13 speaks to my heart. Hope, yes beautiful hope – I am so happy hope is flowing through your writing and ministering to me. Thank you, dear friend.
Thank you, Deborah, Hope is a beautiful word that so empowers and encourages not only us but others! Praise God, you found it here today!
Donna, Hope is such a powerful word. And Romans 15:13 is one of my most favorite-est verses!
I love reading how God used your words from the past couple of years to lead you into your word for this year and prepare you for the journey! Thank you for sharing this! I look forward to reading more of what you learn with your One Word for this year!
Jeanne, I am learning just how powerful Hope really is! It is so amazing to see God weave all the One Word lessons together isn’t it?