At the beginning of a new year, there’s always a question hanging in the air.

Not, “What’s going to happen?” because none of us actually know that.

The real question is: When what will happen happens, who will I be? Who am I becoming? Am I doing my part? Am I letting Jesus shape me into someone steady, surrendered, and strong?

Because opportunity is coming. Opposition is coming. Beautiful moments are coming. Hard moments too. And there will be moments that require faith. This year at Palm City, we’re stepping into something we believe God has been speaking clearly: a year marked by Kingdom Courage.

Not culture courage. Kingdom courage.

Culture Courage vs. Kingdom Courage

Culture courage says, “Be you. Live your truth.”

But kingdom courage says, “Deny yourself and live for Him.” Take up your cross and follow Jesus. And it’s not because God wants to restrict you, but because He wants to free you. He’s leading you into life that’s real, rooted, and resilient.

Kingdom courage isn’t self-confidence. It’s Spirit-confidence. God-confidence. The kind of courage that doesn’t come from personality or hype, but from the presence of God working deep in a surrendered life.

And here’s what I love: this kind of courage is attractive to people who are watching. The world is desperate for something authentic and anchored. When they see that courage in you, it creates a doorway to point them to the source: Jesus.

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God’s Command to Joshua Is God’s Invitation to Us

In Joshua 1, Joshua is standing at a crossroads. Moses is gone. The future is unknown. The promise is still ahead, but the fear is real. And God speaks three times in three verses: Be strong. Be courageous.

What’s striking is that God doesn’t ask Joshua if he feels ready.

He commands him.

That matters because a lot of us have been waiting to feel courageous before we obey, before we lead, before we step into responsibility. But Scripture shows us something different: Courage is not an emotion. Courage is a command.

And if you’ve ever said, “I can’t have kingdom courage because I struggle with fear,” hear this: God already knew Joshua was afraid. That’s why He said, “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” You don’t need courage when you have no fear. You need courage when you do.

Where Kingdom Courage Comes From

1) Courage Is Born in Obedience

God told Joshua to be careful to obey everything written in the Book of the Law. Not selective obedience. Not picking our favorite verses and avoiding the rest. We don’t stand over the Word; we come under it. We don’t edit it; we yield to it.

Because here’s the truth: you will never have kingdom courage if you reject Scripture. The Spirit of God and the Word of God go hand in hand. Obedience doesn’t earn God’s love, but it does position us to walk in His strength.

2) Courage Is Formed Through Intimacy

If you only obey without intimacy, faith can become rigid. That’s how the Pharisees lived: truth without relationship.

God wants truth and grace together much like a river with banks. A river with no banks becomes a flood. A river with banks but no water is dead. We need the life-giving flow of the Spirit, and we need the boundaries of God’s Word. Together, they form a life that’s strong and steady.

3) Courage Is Sustained by God’s Presence

God didn’t just tell Joshua what to do. He told Joshua what He would do: “I will be with you wherever you go.” That’s what sustains courage. Not willpower. Not hype. Presence.

You may fight battles this year. Unexpected things may happen. But if you stay yielded, God will get you where He wants you to be.

“Meditate” Means More Than Reading

One of the most practical challenges from Joshua 1 is this: “Meditate on it day and night.”

That doesn’t mean reading a verse in the morning and forgetting it by lunch. It means letting the Word stay close. Calling it back up throughout the day. Letting Scripture shape your reactions, your decisions, your integrity, your courage. Because when temptation shows up, when fear rises, when pressure hits, the Word you’ve stored up becomes strength in the moment.

Responsibility Is Where Courage Gets Real

Joshua’s courage wasn’t just for Joshua. It was for the people he was responsible for.

There’s a moment in life where we stop asking only, “What’s the benefit?” and start asking, “What’s my responsibility?” Responsibility to lead your home. To love your spouse well. To parent with patience and conviction. To live like a Christian not just in name, but in practice.

Salvation is a free gift, and then Jesus invites us into a surrendered life. And that surrendered life is where courage grows.

Before Assignment Comes Alignment

This is why today matters. Before God assigns, He aligns. Before God calls leaders forward, He anoints. We do not want to walk into a new year on old oil.

If we’re going to live a life of kingdom courage, we need a fresh touch from God. A renewed surrender. A realignment of heart. Not because we’re trying to impress God, but because we’re admitting we can’t do this without Him.

A Simple Prayer for a Year of Kingdom Courage

Jesus, I surrender to You.
I don’t know what this year will hold, but I know You hold tomorrow.
Give me kingdom courage.
Help me obey Your Word, stay close to Your presence, and live my life for Your glory.
Make me steady. Make me strong. Make me faithful.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

An Invitation

If you’re reading this and you wouldn’t call yourself a follower of Jesus, you’re still welcome here. Truly. Palm City is a place where questions are allowed, people are loved, and Jesus is lifted high.

If you’re ready to take a step toward Him, you can start with one honest prayer:

“Jesus, I want to know You. I surrender my life to You. Lead me.”

And if you prayed that, we’d love to help you take your next step.