4 Reasons Why I Won't Choose A "Word"

"The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does."

~Isaiah 8:11 NLT~

I recently noticed that people have begun choosing a "word" for the year. While last year I was vaguely aware of it, there appears to be a clear trend this year. And, though I understand the supposed principle behind it, my personal feeling is that of opposition to this fad.

Too narrow-focused

Choosing a single word on which to base your entire year's living is like selecting a blouse from your closet and wearing it for the next 365 days. Imagine choosing that sparkling party top and then having to wear it to the gym or while you scrub the toilet.

Without context words mean little

Words we use only really take on meaning when used in conjunction with other words. For example, "joy". Is it your intention to find "joy" for yourself? Or, are you committed to bringing "joy" to all those around you? You may think it's splitting hairs, but seriously, our minds think beyond one word at a time and the thought of "I commit myself in this new year to bring joy to all those around me in whatever I do." certainly means something much more concrete than simply "joy".

Changing seasons

I don't think I'm alone in admitting that my feelings and attitudes change often. If I happen to be in a state of sadness, walking through a dark season, I might choose a certain word, "healing", for example. But a few weeks later, my heart is opened and I'm filled with energy, I might feel more like the word "focus". Then, as I've gone along a few more months, making progress and seeing blessings, I'd want to choose "gratefulness".

I buck trends at all costs

Personally, I have always been a person who jumps OFF when everyone around me is jumping on the bandwagon. Fads and trends have always had a way of pushing me to the contrary and I admit, this is another of those instances where I fail to see the real value of going along with the crowd.

In a short devotional I wrote in my book With Joyful Hearts,  I touched on the subject of making resolutions. I believe that by making lists of things you plan to change, do/not do, or become, we're setting ourselves up for heartbreak and failure. I admit, I keep a short list of topics that I want to focus on under specific headings such as Mind & Spirit, Body, and Other. But, for me, this list is purely to remind myself (my memory isn't what it used to be) of the things I'd like to address in the future. I don't set timeframes or deadlines but simply acknowledge that certain things are important to me and I'll give them my attention.

Rather than limiting myself to that "one shirt" for the entire year, I've chosen to give myself a "wardrobe" to use for every occasion. That is, I've chosen a phrase that I can use in every circumstance. One, that lifts my feelings, gives me hope, and provides me comfort regardless of the situation. One that keeps me close to my Creator.

So, as this new year unfolds, I will look forward to what the future holds with this short phrase, "𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.". When I look at my New Year Task List, I know that the Spirit will guide me in my efforts in what I accomplish, or what I skip over will be according to His plan. I will be certain that no matter in what season I find myself, I will have a true compass IN the Word and not limited to just a word.

"Set up signposts to mark your trip home. Get a good map. Study the road conditions. The road out is the road back." ~Jeremiah 31:21 MSG

PAWS TO PRAY

Father God,

I pray that this year I choose my wardrobe from the entire closet only You can provide. Lord, help me to be open-minded in how I approach this new year and give me wisdom and discernment in making my way along the pathway forward. Help me, Father, to always follow Your Word first and make it my focus and my guide.

In Jesus' Holy Name we pray,

Amen

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𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒀𝒐𝒖 & 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝑩𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔