Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
I think I have it. I really do!
My word for the year? Gratitude. I even share with blogging friends, perhaps too smugly, that this is the obvious, God-declared choice.
But as the days of 2015 dwindle, and I begin to reflect upon what I need to learn in 2016, I realize I may have been too hasty in my selection. For gratefulness is something I already practice on a daily basis. It's already a lesson learned, a habit formed.
I long for a new challenge from the Lord.
But what word will embody that welcomed provocation?
Many offerings roll like waves through my thoughts: Listen; hope; courage, seek. But none stick. I'm disappointed, but not to the point where frustration leads to the end of the rope. I trust God will steer me in the right direction.
And He does. In the most unexpected (isn't that just how He works?) way.
My husband, Danny, and I are sharing a conversation, and he mentions to me a word frequently invoked by David, our former drummer in the praise band, who now lives in Texas. When something went awry unexpectedly, David's response was unilaterally, "Whatever." In other words, we'll make the best of it, no matter the unforeseen obstacle.
Whatever!
And in a breath, in a throw away thought, there appears my word for the year.
WHATEVER!
Because I know that, whatever happens, our Father is in control. I need not worry. I need not fret.
Not for one blessed moment.
For God is in all the "whatevers" of our lives. Making them right and turning them to His good.
And I will hinge my "whatevers" on Paul's encouraging words, and think about these things, pondering them in my heart, and living them out in my life with God's faithful guidance.
Happy New Year!
~
Have you chosen a guiding word for 2016?
Prayer: Father, may our whatevers turn into Your best-evers in our lives. Let us heed the words of Your servant, Paul, and think always upon those things that are true, noble, pure, lovely, and admirable. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
I have never chosen a word and this year is no different. I am interesting in seeing how Psalm 138:8 plays out this year for me.
ReplyDeleteI love that verse, Bill! Yes, Lord, do not forsake the works of Your hand. It will be interesting to see how that verse plays out for you in 2016.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Hi Martha! Well, this is a first. I don't think I've seen anyone ever use this word as a yearly theme, so congrats on your originality! (Why would I be surprised about that?)
ReplyDeleteI like the way you define 'whatever', which is different than the way the world would define it. You see it as a declaration of faith. Love that! When those hard times come, you can just launch the situation to the Lord with that one word, knowing He will catch and care for anything you send.
I wish you every grace in this new year. But if you do run up against some brick walls, well...whatever!!
Blessings,
Ceil
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ceil. Yes, just as God turns the world on its head, I'm praying this word will do the same in my life this year. Trusting in Him even when those brick walls come up!
DeleteWishing you a happy and blessed New Year!
Love and blessings!
Fresh focus! Thanks, Martha. I'll highlight your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com.
ReplyDeleteMary, thank you so much for the highlight! Glad you enjoyed the post.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I like your word. It can be positive which is your intention and it can also be 'the eye rolling teen' saying 'whatever'. Whatever we face in the next year God will be with us and give us the strength to face it. Love your word.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon! Yes, as Ceil noted above, this is taking the teen, eye-rolling word and turning it on its head to meet headlong with God. And may we all know that God will give us the strength to face the battles before us no matter how challenging and difficult. His whatever is all that matters!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, your word for the year is an interesting one. It makes a great deal of sense though. No matter what, God is in control--that is something that I really need to keep in mind. I'm still seeking my word for this year: today the words stay, abide came to me...so that may be it "abide"...
ReplyDeleteIn God's time, I'll know the word for this year.
Love and blessings!
I love that word, "abide," Kim as it means we are choosing to dwell in God and wait upon His promises. It is both quiet and active, filling the need for stillness in Him and being His hands and feet in this world. If God is speaking to you in this word, definitely go with it!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your word makes me think of Philippians 4:8 - "Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or trustworthy . . . think about such things. I love it! Blessings in 2016 my friend!
ReplyDeleteYes! That's the very verse to ponder. Glad you liked it, Deb.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Been reading a lot about guiding words recently and when I come to think of it the only word that comes to my mind is Let Go. I need to let go of a lot of things that is when I will be lighter enough to flap my wings and take my flight.
ReplyDeleteHugs <3
Privy, since "let go" is two words, how about the word "release?" Release all those things that are tying you down and trying your soul. You CAN fly in 2016!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Ah! That sounds just perfect Martha.
Delete"Release" it will be :)
Thank you so much