“As he (a man) thinks in his heart, so is he.” —Proverbs 23:7
Around this time of year, I begin to think about my “one word” selection for the coming year. I’m easily distracted and don’t do well with lists and New Year’s resolutions, so a one-word focus suits me.
But can one word change your life?
Absolutely.
Ask anyone who’s waited to hear “Positive” or “Negative” after a health exam. “Guilty” or “Not” in a court of law. “Girl” or “Boy” at a baby reveal. “Up” or “Down” in a stock investment. “Pass” or “Fail” on an academic test.
Both science and Scripture concur that our minds are powerful and that the things we meditate on can and will shape our lives. We have the power to change our reality by choosing to shift our focus.
“Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2
My path toward one word began in 2000, when I replaced New Year’s resolutions with the prayerful selection of a scripture verse for the coming year. I’ve continued to choose one annually. Then in 2013, I jumped on the one-word bandwagon via My One Word written by Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen. I now consolidate my chosen verse into a single word for a more pointed focus. Every year, I’m amazed at how God repeatedly brings this verse or word to my attention as he affirms and uses it to lead me through situations that arise.
Won’t you join me in the selection of a scripture focus and one word for 2019? Lose the long list of resolutions that leave you frustrated and defeated after a few weeks and embrace a single focus that can transform your life.
“Do something about one thing this year instead of nothing about everything. Choose just one word that represents what you most hope God will do in you, and focus on it for an entire year. This single act will force clarity and concentrate your efforts. As you focus on your word over an extended period of time, you position yourself for God to form your character at a deep, sustainable level. Growth and change will result.” -Mike Ashcraft, My One Word
“Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do,
they’ll complete the assignment I gave them.”
Isaiah 55:19-11, MSG
Now it’s your turn. Select a one-word focus for 2019. After your selection, please encourage others by returning here and sharing it with the rest of us.
I always welcome your comments.
Several years ago I read a non-fiction book by Debbie Macomber and learned about her process for choosing her “one word” each year. It encouraged me to do the same, and I’ve continued the tradition now for quite a few years. Last year my word was “kindness” and I concentrated on being kind instead of being critical. I’ve made some progress but still have a long way to go! This year I’m tempted to keep the same word, but so far do not have peace in doing so. Although I have yet to settle on my “one word” for the year, the word that keeps popping into my head is “respect,” which goes hand-in-hand with being kind.
Interesing, Linda. I too am keeping last year’s word, persevere. It looks like I’m to hang in there a little longer. 😃 I didn’t know Debbie had a ”one-word” book out. I’ll look it up. Thanks for sharing, and all the best with your word selection.
Love this idea for the new year. I used something similar during a time when I was experiencing a time of extreme disappointment and grief. If you have been there, you know how your mind can get stuck in the mess. One day, I started concentrating on the word hope. I looked up and wrote out verses about hope. The next day, I was able to choose another word and repeated the process. Over time, my mind let go of the hurt and God’s word took up the space it vacated. It was a beautiful thing.
Beautiful. Thank you, Patty, for sharing this. Yes. I’ve been there. Fixing our eyes on God and his Word is the only way to transform our thinking in those dark moments.
I identify with your thoughts Starr. I also gave up resolutions in favor of a Bible verse. Last year that verse was “condensed” to a single word. It’s amazing how that can shape your life looking upward rather than my self-effort of a resolution as purposeful as that may be.
Awesome, Marilyn. As you’ve probably discerned, mine was “persevere.” Thinking I may “stick with it” 😂 this year. Will see how God leads. Please come back and share your 2019 word. Thanks for commenting.