The Word for the Year

This post is by Shaina Weisgerber.

Flourish. 

That was my word for the year, last year. I had so many hopes and was just so sure that my life was going to reflect my word. I knew that God was going to come through in my newly scored job, in my marriage, parenting, and friendships. I thought I was wrapping up a season of drought, desert, and waiting. I knew that the twelve months ahead of me were going to be filled with flourishing in all areas of life. I was not naïve to the fact that life happens and I knew we would face things here and there, but I just had this feeling that things were changing for the better and that this year was going to visibly be a year of flourishing and growing! My hopes were high and I was confident. 

Little did I know that we would have multiple financial issues come up, we would end up being called away from our church home of thirteen years, my great new job would deteriorate more and more each month of the year until finally, I had to leave. Our jobs were struggling or gone, our budget and finances took hit after hit, and our plans for growth and flourishing all seemed to just disappear. Where was God in all of this and where was the flourishing I thought I was going to see?

See, there is nothing wrong with choosing a word for the year. I have found that whatever word you choose will encourage, guide, and inspire you throughout the year. Choosing a word for the year can bring some direction, streamlining goals and resolutions. A word for the year can truly help focus your heart and mind on what God is teaching you, training you for, and leading you through. 

Your word for the year is not a guarantee or promise that all will be exactly as you want. 

The word you choose is simply an encouragement, a reminder, and a way to keep your eyes on Christ throughout the year. 

I’ve decided that this year, my word for the year is, The Word. I don’t have one single word that I’m leaning into or using this year. I am committed to being in the whole Word of God this year, letting it do its work in me, guiding me daily and showing me the way to go. Each day brings with it a new set of challenges. Each day in the Word brings us promises to endure those challenges.  

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

I pray that this year brings you a closeness with Christ whether you choose to have a word of the year or not. As you navigate each day, I hope you will remember that you’re not limited to one single word. Perhaps you have a word each month, no word at all, or maybe God will lay something on your heart later in the year. Be open to what the Lord has for you and be encouraged that you aren’t restricted by one word. You are set free by The Word. 

Shaina Weisgerber is a born and raised Texan. She and her husband Nick live in the Texas panhandle with their 2 daughters. Over a decade ago they were blessed with a son, who shortly after birth died from severe heart defects .Over the years she has shared her story and her heart so that others might not feel alone in their grief journeys. Shaina writes and shares her heart at Sycamore and Sparrow www.sycamoresparrow.wordpress.com/blog and you can follow along on Instagram and Facebook at Sycamore and Sparrow.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash