I don’t need to tell you it’s almost 2015.
Are you ready for a new year?
So many of my blog and writer friends are choosing #OneWord for 2015. For some, this one word has been “given” to them by God, either through His Word, through His Spirit, or through any other way He may choose to use.
This one word might be something to inspire them. Or something God may use to teach and grow each one. Or it might be a word that will have a special meaning through the year, unbeknownst to them right now.
What’s my #OneWord?
I don’t have it yet!
I’m seeking God, and asking Him what my one word is going to be for 2015. I’m getting nothing. Nothing.
Am I not to have a #OneWord??” Am I the only one in this world without one?
I’m beginning to wonder.
In years past God has shown me scripture verses to cling to for the year.
In 2008, it was Psalm 89:1:
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
I had an inkling what that verse was going to mean for me that year, but I was mistaken. Instead, that was the year of many singing engagements, and the beginning of a public speaking ministry.
Last year I was given Isaiah 43:19:
Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there had been none.
Again, I had ideas what impact this verse would have on my life, but in no way did I expect God to grow in me a writing ministry and bless me with the avenues for it. He grew something out of nothing.
Each year, with each scripture, has its own story. And it’s all a part of my journey.
What about you? What do you do for the new year?
Do you set resolutions?
Do you choose one word? Have you been given one?
Do you choose a scripture, or has one been given to you?
I’d love to read about it.
When God gives me mine, I’ll share it. And if I’m not supposed to have a “one word,” or a specific scripture, then I won’t. But, I’ll keep looking upward, and listening for that still, small voice.
Blessings to you, friend!
Julie
I do have my one word, but I’m cheating, because it’s actually a phrase…or perhaps better described as a philosophical concept.
It’s Hirihokenten, which is the Japanese transliteration of a Chinese maxim which says that it is important to consider debt, but not important to consider death. In American-speak, it means that responsibility is everything.
It was the motto of Masashige Kusunoki, who is revered for the standards of fealty he upheld when he took his own life after the Battle of the Minato River (Minatogawa) in 1366. The last letter sent him by his wife is particularly touching; in she says that she wishes time were a spool of thread, so that it might unroll and make the past become the present.
I didn’t really select it specifically for 2015; I picked it up in October. I don’t believe in the New Year being anything special. If you want to make a resolution, why wait?
There are some pretty specific disadvantages to the “ring in the New Year with resolutions” business. If one fails…and resolutions like quitting smoking and diet are very prone to failure…it seems like the fresh start the New Year has offered has been ruined. It stacks the deck against success.
At this point I would like to simply survive 2015. I’m caught in a gyre of pain that is making it very hard to keep footing and focus. I hate to think of it getting worse, because it’s already quite unpleasant enough. I’m reeling through the days like an amateur boxer who’s wandered into the ring with Mike Tyson.
No Scripture comes to my mind, but a quatrain seems to fit –
And when he gets to Heaven
to St. Peter he will tell:
“One more Marine reporting, sir;
I’ve done my tour in Hell.”:
I agree, Andrew. There’s no need to wait to make a resolution. I just love fresh starts, whenever they are prompted. Praying your 2015 is filled with unspeakable joy and peace!
Hi Julie! Last year I had a definite word that grabbed me one day while reading. That word was “portion”. It was significant through 2014, for certain, but not in the way I expected. It was a year in which I needed to learn that God is my portion because everything else in life is unpredictable. Things, people, plans can be here one day and gone tomorrow. It was a great lesson for me. As for this year? I’m right with you- nothing yet, but who knows? Happy New Year!
Great word, Kristine. Powerful and life-changing. A word came to me this morning… I’m going to pray on it throughout the day. If you receive a word for 2015, I’d love to read about it. Happy New Year to you, too!
I wondered if God was going to give me a word this year. There were a few that I thought might have been the word, and then suddenly I just knew He had indeed given me one. Maybe He will reveal to you when you least expect it. Maybe He has something different planned. This is know . . . He is good! He is with us. Word or no word, He will move in and through you in new ways.
Always blessed by you, Julie. And I’m thinking we need to meet up in 2015!
Happy New Year! Much love. xoxo
Thank you, Beth, for your encouragement. Yes, He is good. Word or no word. I’m so thankful He crossed our paths in 2014, and I would love to meet up this year. Let’s make that happen. Much love and blessings to you, dear friend! You make me smile.
Oh, my word is SELFLESS.
Great word. Love it, Beth!!