A Word for the New Year

Happy 2018!  The new year is here and brings with it possibilities for all types of good things.  Have you done anything to make a change from last year or help this year become better than 2017?  I would like to invite you to do something my best friend taught me to do.  When you are in your quiet place talking to Jesus, ask Him to give you a word for the new year. That’s right, your very own word that offers encouragement or inspiration for the year. Maybe He will give you more than just one.  Whatever it is you need, He will give.

For 2017 my word was restoration. My husband had been very ill and had an operation. Abba gave me “restoration” as encouragement that things will be better. Throughout the illness a lot has changed and been lost, so restoration gave me hope that what had been taken away would be replenished through God’s grace and mercy.  It would not only be replaced but restored by God which means a full, overflowing measure.  My friend received the word “joy” to remind her of the happiness that abounds all around her.

My word for the year 2018 is “family” and I am eager to learn why.  Could it mean our family is increasing?  The family might not be my immediate family at all but the Family of God.  Maybe I will help lead others into His family.  Perhaps relationships within our family will change.  I have no idea why I received this word, but I am praying about it and the reason.  God will reveal it to me in His perfect time.

Are you wondering how to receive your word? First you need to ask. Pray to our loving Savior Jesus and ask Him to provide you with a word.  After that be aware.  Watch and listen.  You will see or hear your word.  It might standout in everything you read.  For example, if your word is “hope” you may read “hope” in many scriptures or even a billboard.  Friends might tell you about a book or song they found and love on that subject.  Artwork at a store may have that word in it. A waitress might have a tattoo that says it or even be named Hope. Your word will surround you. Perhaps you will hear your word. In the silence as you chat with Jesus, listen for His voice. It might come as a soft whisper faintly coming to your mind. When you ask and receive, do not worry that you might miss it. If something is meant for you, you will get it.  There are no coincidences, just God at work.

Okay, you have asked and received your word, now what. Treasure that word and watch for the lessons it has to teach you.  Pray about your word. It should bring comfort, encouragement, and hope to you. You might use it to minister or testify to others. This one little word could change your year and your Walk with God making them both better in more ways than you could ever imagine. Happy 2018.  May you find your word, start a new tradition, and have a blessed year.