Why a Word for the Year, Writer?
By
Maureen Miller
Like
many, I began choosing one several years ago after hearing others speak about
the difference it made. But how does one choose—to pick that single word to guide her
into the unfamiliar territory of a never-traveled-before year?
The
answer comes from an Old Testament Scripture. Call to Me and I will
answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know (Jeremiah
33:3 CSB). This verse promises God answers when we ask.
So, ask
Him—What’s my word for the year?
I
asked. Three times He confirmed that my word for 2023 is calm. And
while I don’t know what will happen over the course of the next 365 days to
challenge this, I trust God does. My part is to apply it, live by it, and see
how it makes a difference.
But
what else?
Jesus—the
Word—has given us His Word—the Bible—as a guide. What better place than within
its pages to discover truth upon which to stand. Using Bible Gateway or a
similar source, look up your word and read passages pertaining to it. Prayerfully
choose one verse to be your bedrock.
Memorize
it.
Indeed,
hide it in your heart.
Personally,
after knowing my word for the year, I read several Scriptures with calm used
in context. The one that perked my attention was … I have calmed and quieted
my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned
child (Psalm 131:2 CSB). A weaned child no longer
looks to another for fulfillment. Rather, she simply rests, finding delight in
her mother’s presence.
With calm as
my word, the Lord reminds me to find satisfaction in Him. As a writer, I can
feel competitive and insecure. In turn, I might look to others to satisfy a
longing for approval. God, however, wants me to face each moment knowing—no
matter the rejections, criticism, or my shortcomings—He’s my satisfaction.
Resting upon Him, I’m content.
The
outcome? In the quiet, I hear Him whisper His thoughts about what to write.
Furthermore, He’ll remind me He’s pleased with my efforts when I walk in His
will. Thus, I too should be at peace with my efforts—trusting God to establish
the work of my hands for me (Psalm 90:17).
Finally,
when I asked God why, specifically as a writer, having a word for the year
matters, I heard Him say, Like Peter who fixed his eyes on Me to stay above the water,
you, too, must fix your eyes on the Word. Obedience will bear the fruit of
peace and joy in the coming days, no matter the storms you face. I know just
what you need to accomplish My will, for My glory and the good of a wounded
world.
Dear
friends, seek God. Ask Him what your word is. Then dive in, searching His Word
for a related passage. This truth will serve as a foundation upon which to
stand in the coming year.
Finally,
write—believing your words will make a difference in a broken world.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Great article, Maureen! Please contact me at ilovetowriteday007@gmail.com if you are interested in having one of your articles or essays included in my upcoming book: "The PAC Method For Writers: How Prayer, Attitude And Confidence Can Lead You To A Successful Writing Journey."
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to know more. I will email. Thank you.
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