What’s your “word” for the new year?
December 29, 2011 | Faith: Knowing Christ
Every outside electrical outlet at my house has decided to die. We discovered that when we my husband hung Christmas lights this year. So instead of a seamless display of beautiful lights, there are large orange and yellow cords hanging from the roof.
It’s working and it sends power to the twinkling lights, but it’s not exactly what we wanted, and some work has to take place before next year.
Kind of like me. And maybe, you. We are approaching a new year. It’s a great time to reflect. To look back and see what you desire to do differently, to pray and ask God to show you the next step in growth and joy.
For me, that means that I pray for one word to focus on in the new year, and the word for 2012 for me is “power”.
I desire power that can only come from the Holy Spirit as I blog, as I write books, as I speak, but more importantly as I mother, as I love my husband, as I hold my beautiful grandbabies, as I interact with friends, neighbors and strangers.
It’s a power that helps you tune in to the voice of God, to believe in His promises, and to hear the heartbeat of God in everything that you do.
I was reading my devotion this morning and one finger trailed over a verse in 1st Peter 1:12. It read:
They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
Normally I would skip over this verse, but that one phrase stopped me. It’s when my one word came to me.
What might happen if my ministry and my life were covered in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven?
I think we find the answer in this same verse. Our lives would not be about ourselves, but about others and the heart of God.
I don’t want to live “juiced” by a great church service or a great day–cords hanging down to keep the lights going, but powered from the inside to live in consistent, vibrant faith. . . regardless of where I am, or what is taking place.
Are you praying for your “word” for the new year? I’d love to hear what God is speaking to you.
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Yes, I have been -
And now that I think I know what the word is, I’ve put in a request for a new one:-{
fwiw – I think the word God is giving me is “courage”.
A hard word after a hard year.
December 29th, 2011 at 6:13 pmI think that my word for the new year is gentle. From the verse Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” I haven’t been as gentle as I should be lately and I know that I have caused hurt feelings, especially with my husband. I need to be gentle with those that I love even if I feel like I am not being treated gently. I want gentleness to be tangible in my home as I love my hubby and my children.
December 30th, 2011 at 1:46 pmMy word has to be FOCUS. If I keep my eyes to the Lord and FOCUS, the rest will fall into place.
December 30th, 2011 at 4:41 pmMy word will be restoration. I have been learningso much this year, my first year on the computer. (blogs). And I have been so challenged & motivated. 2012 I want to apply the Word in my life; comlete restoration!
December 30th, 2011 at 9:56 pm[...] of my favorite blog authors (Suzanne Eller) suggested selecting a word for the year – a word that defines what you hope and plan to accomplish, what you will pray for, a word [...]
January 3rd, 2012 at 6:00 amMy for 2012 is going to be Compassion. I’ve been reading “The Fitting room” by Kelly Minter about put on the character of Christ based on Colossians 3 and the words of being Kind and compassionate jumped out at me and so – Colossians 3:12 will be my verse for the year and my word is compassion. Grace and peace.
January 3rd, 2012 at 12:45 pmHi Suzie,
January 4th, 2012 at 12:53 pmMy one word for 2012 is “Trust”. In my devotional reading this year I’ve already come across this word many times. I started recording these quotes and scripture verses in one spot so I can reference them throughout the year.