Oh My Word
Do you ever use this phrase: Oh, my word! It’s a whole lot better than a lot of expressions out there. Yet today, it took on new meaning. Recently I was encouraged to come up with ‘my word for the year’. I’ve done that in the past and was glad for the reminder. It does make an impact.
I’ve had words like grace, kindness, etc. I’m still pondering this year’s word. Jesus, is always the best inspiration. “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 NLT)
But why even choose a word for the year?
I’ve found it brings focus. For instance, when my word was kindness, my goal was to be more careful with what passed out of my lips. Even though I might not be overtly rude or unkind, I can be abrupt or matter of fact. And that can come across as unkind. (Still a work in progress, but better.)
When something comes into focus it means we see it more clearly. Like a light when the room is dark or directions when we’re not sure of the way. John 1:4 NLT says: “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone.”
As I walked a trail recently it was late in the day, lots of shadows. I was being careful, trying to be watchful. Even so, the shadows and sand on the path obscured a tree root and I stubbed my toe so hard it almost took my breath away. Minor in the big scope of things but painful at the time.
Life can be challenging – in more ways than one. Anything that makes our days easier or more bearable or more productive sounds good to me. I think having a focus, the Light showing the way and making the path a lot more visible, helps.
So, as we ponder our ‘word’, look forward to life’s ups and downs, and try to miss the hidden tree roots – maybe turning to Messiah will save us a lot of heartache (and maybe a stubbed toe or two). “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it…So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” (1John 1:5, 14a NLT)
parisrenae 
Amen! I love this Bible passage. I wasn’t raised with religion, so when I became a Christian in late 2020, I had a lot to learn about th e Word of God and one thing that continues to amaze me is that God created the world through his own speech.
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Astrid, so glad you came to know Jesus, we are family now Blessings as His Word continues to penetrate your soul and lead you in the way everlasting. May 2022 truly be a year of knowing your Creator more and more.
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Love this. Seems like “focus” is a good Word for today! Focus on Him. On His Kingdom. His power, love, wisdom. 🙂
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Good thought – focus – yes, let us lift our eyes physically and spiritually to our great God whose love is boundless and omnipotence is unfathomable. Blessings on 2022 as you immerse yourself in the Word.
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Paris, I liked the way you developed this post. As we intentionally come to The Word, we gain focus and light each day and in every situation. He alone dispels the darkness and we don’t stumble around in the shadows. Wonderful thought to begin 2022.
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Yes, He shines His Light for us and through us. Blessings on 2022 as He uses you to shine for Him and as He lights your way.
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I think choosing a Word for the year brings focus, too. I love that one of Jesus’ names is Word. He is a Word I will choose every time!
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Me too – the best Word of all. Blessings on 2022 as you stick close to the Word and as you get to know His words more and more 🙂
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The idea of choosing a word for the year doesn’t resonate with me, however, if a word comes to me then I go with it. I like your reflection of the focus that comes when we choose a word. That idea might be the reason I choose a word moving forward; to keep me focused and on track.
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I know what you mean, I resisted a word for the year for quiet a while, then just a few years ago it just kind of happened. It has been interesting to see what God does with it. My word is always the Word no matter what. Blessings as you walk 2022 with the Savior and know He loves you beyond measure…
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I too am trying to find a word or phrase for the your ahead that the good Lord can work with me on! I’m not sure exactly what it is but I know I’m leaning towards “no fear, for the new year”. Because fear and faith cannot coexist! Having a thought, word, scripture verse, etc does help keep you focused! Thank you again for your faithful enlightening writing?
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Yes, love your ‘no fear’ – also because love, His love, drives out that fear — IF we let it. Blessings as you walk 2022 knowing His love is ever bigger than your fears.
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“I think having a focus, the Light showing the way and making the path a lot more visible, helps.” Yes. You’ve summed it up well. My one word this year is Release. I definitely need Jesus lighting up the path ahead for this journey.
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Lisa, that is an amazing word – so sums up much of my journey 🙂 Blessings as He lights your path into releasing the burdens and taking on His assurances.
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