One Word
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
"I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance." (Ephesians 1:16-18 NLT)
Have you ever considered focusing on a word to carry you through the new year? One word that could change your life? Every year, people make resolutions that are rarely kept and goals that often go by the wayside. In forgetting what seems important to focus on, we can lose sight of the good desires of our hearts.
A number of years ago, I discovered the practice of choosing a yearly word in the book One Word by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page. By living a single word that is meant for you, you can find renewed purpose and meaning throughout the year. I have had a number of different words over the years that have positively impacted my relationships, mindset, and personal growth.
Early Words
As I began this practice, the first words the Lord gave me were “balance and procrastination.” I was struggling with the lack of balance in my life, so I chose that word. I can also be a great procrastinator. I realized that if I wanted balance, I needed to get rid of my procrastination.
In subsequent years, the words “light” and “love” have influenced my walk with God and others. These words expressed my desire to be more like Jesus in the way I was being present to others. Another year, the word “recognition” helped me identify my desire to be recognized by others. During that year, I sensed God inviting me to see that the only recognition I needed was from Him.
Boldness and Grace
There were many times when the word of the year carried over to the following year. The word “boldness” stayed with me for a couple of years. During that time, I became bolder in taking care of myself, not allowing what I think other people want me to do to determine whether I do something important, and sharing Jesus more readily with those around me.
In the second year of boldness, I sensed that the Lord was inviting me to consider the word “grace” alongside boldness. I NEEDED to show more grace to everyone around me. In January of that year I backed my car into a pole and dented the rear end of it. I was so angry with myself. I felt like I deserved an angry response from my husband. My husband was full of grace, and I again sensed God offering me the wisdom that if I wanted to give grace, to be kinder and gentler to others, I needed to start with myself. I needed to show grace to myself and let go of negative self-talking.
Surrender
Late in 2019 my Spiritual Director helped me settle on my word for 2020. She had no idea she had done it. As COVID came into our lives, I was so focused on doing things to stay connected in my ministry job, trying to stay connected with the people I was serving, that I forgot what my word was. Seriously - I could not remember at all. This was very unusual for me and indicated that I was not in a good place in my life. Thankfully I knew just where to find it in my journal, and I went searching. My word was “surrender.” SURRENDER! How could I not remember?
Obviously I wasn’t surrendering much to God.
When I selected this word, I had no idea what God would ask of me. As the year came to an end I realized God used surrender in my life profoundly. I had to surrender many plans, including Thanksgiving plans. As I willingly surrendered to Him, I still got what I most wanted, spending time with my granddaughters. God then made it clear that this was to be my word again for 2021. There was so much more to learn about surrender.
Delight
In 2022 and 2023, my word was “delight.” Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight in the Lord and He will give us our heart’s desires, but that isn’t what God wanted me to know about this word. God wanted me to know that He was delighted in me! During those two years I daily looked for His delight. There are so many stories I could share but there isn’t enough room here. My heart rejoices because I know more deeply that He loves me and that His delight is in me.
Gelassenheit
2024 brought me the German word, “gelassenheit,” which means to yield with humility, calmness, composure, a gentle spirit, and self-surrender as an act of trust to God's invitation in life. This word continues to offer new insights into a life of grace and surrender to the Lord. One of the things I love about doing the yearly practice of receiving and living into a new word is that I continue to work on the words I've had in the past.
One Word for 2025
I am currently holding loosely the word I believe God is giving me for 2025. Interestingly, my new word relates to many of my previous words. Nothing is random in this process of transformation through yearly words. The Lord has an intentional plan and is faithful in revealing it to our hearts and souls as we seek Him for greater wisdom and love.
Would you like to engage in this practice as you anticipate a deeper journey with God in the new year? The book, One Word, provides a helpful framework for prayerfully selecting a guiding word each year. If you cannot get a copy of the book, follow this brief overview shared from the book to help you select your One Word (Gordon, Britton, Page; pp.84-89):
1. Unplug from the noise - Prepare your heart.
Try to find some time to escape from the busyness of your life. How long does it take to find your word? Everyone is different. Unplugging requires that you intentionally find some solitude and silence.
2. Ask
What do I need? What areas of your life need the most change, and why?
What’s in my way? What is preventing me from having what I need?
What needs to go? Sometimes, we are held hostage by past mistakes or pain. This question helps you identify the things you need to let go of in order to make progress.
3. Discover your Word
Once you’ve prepared your heart, you are ready to receive your word. Listen well and remember, God can use all means to communicate with you, remain open, asking the Lord to help you know when your word comes to you.
Ask God to reveal your word with this simple question: “What do you want to do in and through me?” Write down what comes to your heart. Listen and be open to the word that God shares.
If you would like someone to listen with you and support you in this practice, please reach out to one of LifePoint’s spiritual directors. We’re here to accompany you on your transformational journey with God.