Does having a “WORD” for the year make a difference??
Over the past several years choosing a word to represent the New Year has been gaining popularity. It is starting to become more and more common to choose a special word. But does it make a difference?? Does it have lasting impact or is it just like the resolutions that get forgotten by the 2nd week into January??
I’m not sure the answer, and I’m going to guess that it depends on the person. I don’t think it really matters what effect it has on the masses as long as it is something that makes a difference for me, or you. Is it a tool that we can use to help give us focus, clarity or purpose? Does it help us reach goals, grow or facilitate change?
I have chosen a word a few times in the past. Some years it has had a bigger impact than others. Some years it has been very powerful, in others the word was just a haze the background. Life is like that…. no two years are alike.
Do you choose a word? How has it made, or not made, a difference in your life? I would love to hear about it. How has a word impacted your life?
As a Christian I go to God for a word. I know he desires to lead me in deeper walk with him. This year as I prayed about a “word” for 2017 my heart kept being led to two words, Let Go. ” Let Go”. I had to do a lot of praying and soul searching about what these words meant and what they would require to live out. These kinds of words seem more challenging than some of my previous words like “peaceful, clarity and simplicity”. Ugh. Let Go!!
In the past four years, since our oldest was diagnosed with leukemia, I have learned to “Let Go” of a lot of things and put my faith, put my child, completely in God’s hands. I honestly felt like I had make great progress in the “letting go” department. However, as I prayed and listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit He revealed lots of areas in my life that I tend to keep white knuckled. While I have learned to surrender so much into our loving Father’s care I do still hold on tight to some other things I want to control.
So this year I am bravely baring my heart and leaning in more deeply into our savior to give me the strength to LET GO. After all, I really have no real control anyway…. it is all just a façade. It just FEELS like I’m in control but it isn’t very productive or truthful. I desire the peace that comes from giving it all to Jesus.
As the New Year was approaching I was driving to town (us country folk know what that means) I was praying. Drive time has been a good praise and prayer time for me over the years. As I was driving, and praying the Lord gave me a gift of a BEAUTIFUL sky! His handiwork spoke powerfully into my heart. “I am the creator of all things, I love you, I want good for you. I made the heavens and the earth, your heart belongs to eternity but you live here for now. I want you to LET GO of all things you hold on tightly to and give me the reigns. I will not let you fall, I will guide you into my purpose. Let Go and let me!”
The visual promise God gave me as he spoke His word, LET GO, into my heart.
I slowed the van way down… almost to a complete stop on our quiet country road. I pulled out my phone and snapped a few pictures of the sky…. of God’s words to my heart. LET GO!
So, here I am…. LETTING GO. I have a journey to make. I need God to reveal the things I am holding tightly trying to have control over and I need to let go and leave my hands open. I will have to grow in my faith in Christ and not try to snatch things back and lock my fingers around them! Already I’m seeing areas, already I am loosening the grip. I want to embrace this and not let fear stop me!!
Have you ever had a WORD for your year that is “scary” or intimidating??
Do you have a word for this year?? Would you be willing to share it with me and what God spoke to your heart about this word?? Do you have a visual picture? A song? A moment?
I’m excited to learn from you all, too!! Can a word for the year really make a difference??
There is SO much power in prayer!!! One thing we have learned over and over the last 4 years as we have traveled with our oldest son down the path of leukemia is that prayer is powerful!! Time after time we have seen the hand of God move!! God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way we WANT, but always in the way that is BEST!!
ead, write and focus on a scripture to help us have a heart of thanksgiving. What better way to enter into the season of Thanksgiving!
al room, seeing my 19 year old son, Wesley, laying in a bed that has become way too familiar over the past 4 years. I listen to the sounds of oxygen, IV pumps and now a bubbling chest tube along with the soothing sounds of the praise music he has playing from his blue tooth speaker. Life can hurt. My mama heart just aches for the pain he is enduring now…. and has during the many days since we first heard the dreaded word, leukemia.