In the busyness of the holiday season, our minds turn to the new year. Behind the responsibilities of preparing meals, gifts to buy, and visits to plan is the awareness of new opportunities and a determination to do things differently next year.
Are you tired of giving up on resolutions before the end of January? Do your goals seem to fizzle by February, and by summer, you say, “Change? What change?” I invite you to eliminate the frustration by focusing on one simple word.
As you pray in the coming weeks, ask God to highlight a word or phrase to serve as the underpinning for the new year. Look and listen for what stands out, whether in devotions, sermons, music, or conversations with friends. Is there an area challenging you, a habit or character trait God is directing you to improve?
When you select a word or phrase, examine it. How is it defined? What does the Bible say about it? Consider the multiple domains of life (spiritual, psychological/emotional, social, relational, physical, professional, etc.) and explore how your word applies to these areas. When you feel you have one simple word, let it become the theme for how you live, interact, make choices, and love in the new year.
Happy 2023! Wait, is that my word?
Suggestions for Success:
- Journaling helps you connect the dots from the beginning to the end of the year, confirming God’s Word to you and God’s work in you.
- Don’t overthink the process or selection; this is an exercise in focus.
- Keep your word in front of you. Display it. Review it regularly.
- Invite family, friends, small group members, or co-workers to participate.
My guests are Beth Dillon, Virginia Ladies Ministries secretary, and Vicki Simoneaux, South Texas Ladies Ministries president. In this interview, we discuss how we started using one simple word, where our ideas come from, ways we retain the word all year, how the word sustains us, and other personal experiences. We had so much fun sharing, and we hope you will enjoy our time together.
