What’s your word?

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. Philippians 1:20

Do you have a word for the year?

In the past, I’ve chosen a word to be a reminder and to zone in on what is important, or something I simply need to work on internally and externally. Perspective, simplify, and intentional are three words that I have used in recent years.

I’m not sure if I’ve favored a specific word for the year yet, but one has come to mind…REST. The year twenty-twenty-four was a busy and blessed year. When the new year was approaching, I found myself not feeling well. So, on New Year’s Eve and day, resting was at the top of my agenda. I pondered if God was demonstrating my word for the year to me, and reminding me that not only do I need to rest my body, but I need to rest in Him more. Amen!

You see, my daily getting deep in the word of God had been slacking over that last few months of 2024. Sure, I’d read my verse-of-the-day, still talk to God (praying) all day, and keep my eyes open for Him to show me His goodness and mercy through everyday life (these three things are a necessity for my daily living). Yet, actually sitting down daily and immersing myself in those beautiful God-breathed words on the pages of the bible, well…that was a bit scarce. I missed it! I knew it! I could feel it in my core. I had allowed the “busyness” of life to overflow into my time with Jesus. Each time I get in God’s word and truly read more than a verse or two, I sense God showing me the relevance of His word and my every day life stronger. Y’all, we can learn SO MUCH just by reading The Life Instruction Book each day.

Philippians 1:20 is a verse that I had printed out and I leave on my vanity. Each morning these words are read, prayed, and believed. Paul is speaking here during a time when he could be executed or released from prison. This man had been through numerous tribulations in life, and through them all, he stood strong in his faith in Jesus. In verse 22 he said, ^“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Because of his faith and trust in Jesus Christ, whatever came next in his life was totally fine with him. In the end of verse 24, he psychologically believed that God wasn’t finished with him yet, and he still had a purpose here on earth.