My word for the year has been “enlarge,” as in, “Lord, enlarge my heart to care about what you care about,” and, “Enlarge my influence.” Paul prayed for an enlarged influence:

We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others, but our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged. (2 Corinthians 10.15, ESV)

You may notice that I use The Passion Translation from time to time. It’s a new translation for me, and I have gotten increased insights both from the text and from some of the notes. Recently, I found another “enlarge” verse!

God, you are my righteousness, my champion defender. Answer me when I cry for help! Whenever I was in distress, you enlarged me. I’m being squeezed again—I need your kindness right away! (Psalm 4.1, The Passion Translation, emphasis mine)

“Whenever I was in distress, you enlarged me.” I like this: God increases my capacity to handle whatever comes my way. I’m reminded of some of the lyrics of “Day by Day” (not the one from Godspell):

Day by day and with each passing moment, strength I find to meet my trials here.

And

As your days, your strength will be in measure, this the pledge to me he made.

Paul experienced this:

I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. (Philippians 4.13, The Passion Translation)