A few years back my husband read the book, One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon. Jon’s book describes how New Year’s Resolutions and endless goals fall through each year. He chose one word to be their driving force.
My husband was determined to pick a word, me not so much. I made my usual resolution list. I also created a list of goals to accomplish.
Come February, I didn’t know how my goals had already taken a dive into the swimming pool of ‘I tried…again.” The resolution list floating on its back beside those goals.
My husband? He was trekking along with his one word to focus on and focusing he was.
Could he be right? That was a question I liked to think but not say it out loud. Nobody wants to admit failure in three categories; resolutions, goals and husbands being right.
The next year I jumped on that one word train with the hubby.
My first year, I was amazed. The one thing I love about choosing one word to focus on is the simplicity.
Each year I choose a word that connects me spiritually and emotionally. It changed my entire outlooks on the year.
How to choose your one word.
- Prayer. Take time to ask God to direct you to your one word. What does He want you to focus on for the next year?
- Read the Bible for guidance. Reading scripture gives clarity. While reading, ask God to guide you to what He desires you to focus. See what jumps out at you.
- Choose a Scripture. When you have a scripture impressed on your heart write it down. While meditating on the scripture, continue to pray about that one word.
- Choose a word. Then choose a word that makes sense according to the scripture.
- You can switch 3 & 4. You could choose a word and then a scripture. This is what I did this year. A word kept coming to me through prayer, then I went searching for the right scripture.
There are many words you can choose. There is no right or wrong word. There is only one perfect word for you.
Be realistic.
Be thoughtful.
Be prayerful.
Here’s a list to get the thought process going.
Joy
Encourage
Love
Learn
Peace
Intentional
Discipline
Healthy
Consistent
Positive
Brave
This isn’t a full list of possibilities. Only a igniter for your process to choose a word.
I eventually told my husband he was right. That first year my one word was WRITE. God had called me to write many years before but I had chosen to postpone the calling. That first year of choosing my one word sent me on a year of learning, stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing me past limits I had placed on my self and increased a passion I never knew I had.
This one word thing is a great focus. It creates clarity, power, passion and life change.
Try it! I think you’ll like it.
This year my one word is EXPECTANT. I am expecting great things from the Lord. I am expecting Him to guide and lead me where HE desires to do immeasurably more in and through me.
Hoping
Eager
Looking For
Ready
Vigilant
Anticipating…
The good works He desires to do in and through me.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
What’s your one word?
What’s your scripture?
Share it with me!
And a very Happy New Year my friend!
Peace Warrior is my word! Every year I would have the same response….Mom, what do you want for Christmas? PEACE! Peace in my home! This Christmas/New Years I fully understood that “I” want peace but in order for peace to come….you have to be a “Warrior” then the peace will come! Yes, it’s a different level of peace, the kind of peace that passes all understanding as HE is the prince of peace! The true living breath of God also shared the word “Paint” so my goal for 2019 is to paint and see how the spirit moves thru me as HE controls my every stroke! Peace & Stroke Year 4 me!
Love ya girl! Continue to press in & on! Xoxo ❤️
I LOVE this Tina! Peace Warrior…what a sweet and strong word. And a different level of peace for sure. Blessings to you my friend. Happy New Year you Peace Warrior. And I cannot wait to see what you paint.
My Dear Billie,
My word is STILL. “Be Still and know that I AM God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
This speaks to me about the state of my heart and having a deep, deep trust in the Father for the things that concern me.
much love,
Jeannine
Love this Jeannine! I know with my personality to go, go, go, I don’t always still my heart either. Blessings to you my friend.
Hi Billie
My word is Abide!! I love this word so much that I have it tattooed on my wrist. I had thought about how God wants us to Abide for many years but one Sunday I heard a message on this one mighty strong word and I knew it was meant to be permanent. Words come and go just like things and people but…. to Abide in the Lotd will never go! John 15:5 It’s inscribed on my heart and on my wrist. Of course throughout John 15 this special word is mentioned many times. Thank you Billie for your love for Jesus and i’m Thrilled to call you friend. Looking forward to a full 2019 of Learming along side you!!
I have long loved the word ABIDE. It is such a sweet and intimate relationship with Jesus when you abide.
Blessings my friend! Looking forward to all that God will do in 2019!