More than just a resolution, when I pick a word for the year it helps me focus. It streamlines my goals. We take in so much information on a daily basis, unlike any other culture before us. Focusing on one word helps me streamline everything else I take in. It sets a theme and a rhythm for my days. Sometimes we try to take in too much information when we just need to settle on one thing.
My word this year is abide. I want to remain in God. More than just my quiet time in the morning with Him, I want to walk with God. Remain. Stay fixed on. Realize His presence through my day, and say goodnight like we've been talking all day. I know that sometimes it's hard to believe that God wants that kind of communion with us. This kind of relationship, personally walking with God, inspired twelve men to change the world. God still wants to walk with us.
So that's my New Year's rhythm. I want more of God. I want to walk with Him all day.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. John 15:5
If I choose to abide in God, He will abide in me. That's a big promise. God in me. I can't bear any fruit unless I'm abiding in the vine. There isn't anything in me that can do it. Romans 8 tells me that, in me, there is no good thing. But God promises that if I abide in Him, He will be in me. So, this year I am going to make Him some room.
Take the time, ask God for your word. Seek Him and He will give you an answer. Give it a minute, New Year's isn't a magic day. Change happens over time. The truth is each new day is a fresh start. God designed a twenty four hour period of reset. Let's embrace it.
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way that I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8