“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD!” -Psalm 31:24

Here’s a word you may not have heard in a while – moxie. What is moxie? I’m glad you asked.

Merriam Webster’s definition of moxie:

1: energy, pep
example – woke up full of moxie
2: courage, determination
example – it takes … moxie to pull up roots and go to a land where the culture and probably the language are totally foreign
— M. J. McClary

We all know that Christians are supposed to be humble like our leader, Jesus, but what about moxie? Where does moxie fit into the plan?

I mean, is moxie okay?

Not only is it okay, moxie is imperative.

Not to be confused with arrogance or swagger, we’re talking about a Christ-centered enthusiasm and confidence. Since every believer is indwelled and empowered by the Spirit of God, our calling to be strong and courageous always applies. Even when life is coming at us like a storm, in Jesus we have everything we need to lean into it.

From cover to cover in the Bible, we find examples of God repeatedly calling out courage in His people when they were not feeling it, when they would have preferred to just go back to bed and pull the blanket over their heads. From Joshua, to Esther, to Timothy, we see examples of folks just like us who chose moxie over fear, even when their first reaction to the circumstances in front of them was, “I can’t do this.”

With God’s help, we can do the same.

Let’s choose moxie over fear today.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. -Joshua 1:9

It’s a new day with God. Run with it.