“Delight in the law of the Lord,
    Meditate on God’s word day and night.
 Be like trees planted along the riverbank,
    Bear fruit each season.” – Psalm 1 paraphrase

I mentioned in yesterday’s post that my “word for the year” is going to be “encouragement.” Over time I have found that my writing, my speaking and my teaching all tend to be more fresh and immediate when I try to pour them through a new filter. Not that the substance of my message changes but looking through a fresh lens.

Then yesterday, walking through the Old Town, I ran across the Church of the Holy Cross. Outside I roughly translated part of its mission statement as “Pastoral care of artists.” As a writer/photographer, this really spoke to me. I felt encouraged.

I like the word “encouragement” because it implies not only living courageously but sharing the gift of courage with others. When Jesus said, “Take heart… have courage,” he was offering it to his disciples as something practical.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

The opposite of encouragement is discouragement and I know a lot of people who are discouraged, disheartened – and I get it. This world can be overwhelming. More pointedly the behavior of people in this world can leave us discouraged; but Jesus is very specific in what he has achieved on our behalf and what he offers: “Take courage; take heart; I have overcome…”

Rebekah and I are still here in Poland for a couple more days and we have started this New Year of 2025 by beginning to read through the Psalms. Right there in the beginning we find this encouragement: “People who delight in God’s word are like a strong tree, planted by the streams of water – they bear good fruit in every season” (paraphrase)… Psalm 1

I know for a fact that the more we are rooted in God’s good word, walking with Jesus, and powered by the Holy Spirit then the more we will be equipped to be an encouragement to others.

2025 has the potential to be an epic year: by the grace of God; living courageously in response to hope and promise; always taking heart.

So listen to Jesus! Heed the words of the psalmist! Let’s plant ourselves by streams of living water, take heart and be encouraged! – DEREK

see below random images from our last long walk-through in Krakow…