As a new year begins, many of us set resolutions or goals to guide our personal growth and spiritual journey. But have you ever considered choosing a single word to define your year? A “word of the year” is a powerful, prayerful practice that can help you focus on what God wants to do in and through you over the next 12 months. I have chosen a word for the past decade. Not always, but often they have defined my goals for the year; a constant reminder of what I was attempting to achieve.

Why Choose a Word of the Year?

Instead of juggling a long list of resolutions, a word of the year provides clarity and simplicity. It becomes a spiritual anchor, a reminder of the area where God is calling you to grow or trust Him more deeply. For believers, it’s an opportunity to seek God’s guidance and let Him shape your priorities.

How to Choose Your Word

1. Pray for Direction
   Start by asking God to reveal what He wants to teach you in this season. Spend time in prayer, seeking His will for your life.
2. Reflect on the Past Year
   Look back at the challenges and blessings of the previous year. What lessons did God teach you? What areas of your life need more growth or attention?
3. Study Scripture
   As you read the Bible, notice verses or themes that resonate with you. Often, God uses His Word to confirm the direction He wants you to take.
4. Choose with Intentionality
   Select a word that aligns with what you sense God is leading you toward. Words like “faith,” “peace,” “hope,” “trust,” “surrender,” or “discipline” might stand out.
5. Write It Down
   Once you’ve chosen your word, write it somewhere visible—on your journal, a sticky note, or as a background on your phone. This will help you keep it front and center throughout the year.

Living Out Your Word

Choosing the word is only the beginning. Here are a few ways to integrate it into your daily life:

• Scripture Study: Find Bible verses related to your word and meditate on them.
• Prayer Focus: Incorporate your word into your prayers, asking God to shape your heart and actions accordingly.
• Journaling: Regularly journal about how God is using your word to transform you.
• Accountability: Share your word with a friend or small group for encouragement and accountability.

Examples of Words and Their Impact

• “Trust”: A reminder to surrender your worries and rely on God’s faithfulness.
• “Joy”: A call to find delight in the Lord, even in challenging circumstances.
• “Discipline”: A commitment to spiritual habits like prayer, fasting, and Bible study.
• “Rest”: An invitation to find peace in God’s presence and let go of busyness.

A Year of Transformation

Choosing a word of the year isn’t about perfection or achieving a goal—it’s about transformation. It’s about aligning your heart with God’s will and growing closer to Him. As you reflect on your word throughout the year, you’ll begin to see how God is using it to shape your thoughts, actions, and character.

So, what will your word be this year? Take some time to pray, reflect, and listen. Let God guide you toward the word that will define your journey in 2025.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

Pam’s Word

Drum roll…

For 2025 I have chosen the word “commitment”. Over the past several years I have ventured into lots of different hobbies, books, activities, and volunteer opportunities, the list is endless here. I often find myself not fully committed or following through. I have 0 desire to start anything new in 2025 but return to the things from the past 5 years that I have let fall through the cracks. Some of these are ambitious but need a full commitment.

Alright 2025, let’s do this! What is your “word” for 2025?