Word of the Year 2020

It’s a New Year.

With it comes a new word.

Each year I choose a word to focus on throughout the year.

Last year my word was resolve. (read that post here)

It came from 1 Corinthians 2:2:

“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (NIV)

Paul was explaining to the Christians in Corinth that he wasn’t interested in material things or fame. He wanted only to share the gospel and lead people to Christ. His only focus was Christ and the importance of the crucifixion.

I spent a good portion of my study and prayer time seeking to better know and understand who Christ is.

I also focused on putting Him first in every situation.

It was hard.

There were times when I failed, had to repent, and start again but I learned so much.

I learned first hand just how much Christ loves us and just how close to us He is, if we will just pay attention.

It was a year of huge growth I am eternally grateful for.

 

When I was praying and looking through Scripture for 2020’s word I came across John 8:25-30.

Jesus was talking to some Pharisees and Jewish unbelievers.

He explained to them that there was a lot He could say to them but that He had chosen to say nothing except what He heard from the Father (verse 26).

Jesus knew God was with Him and wouldn’t leave Him alone because He always did what pleased the Father (verse 29).

Because of this many people put their faith in Him.

That statement had a big impact on me.

Jesus, who is God, too, chose not to say anything unless God the Father, told him to!

I realized what an important concept this is.

I also realized how it ties into what I was already doing.

I started this blog because I felt the Lord leading me to.

I felt like He was telling me to write it and to only write posts He gave me.

So, I started this blog.

And, I prayed – a lot!

I still do. I pray over every word I write, every letter I type.

I never add a post unless I feel led to. I never add something just to fill up a space or day.

I also follow this principle when I write Sunday School lessons .

I never come up with the topic myself. It always comes to me during prayer time.

I make a point to not add anything in just because I think it should go in.

I guess in my writing I was already following this concept and didn’t realize it.

That just leaves one area – my speech.

So, for this year, I will focus on my spoken words, seeking to say only what is pleasing to the Lord.

Hopefully the result will be that someone is led to the Lord and puts their faith in Christ.

This will be a big task for sure!

But, I am certain the Lord will strengthen and help me with this.

I know just as He was there with Jesus, as I seek to do what pleases God I can rest assured He is always with me and will not leave me alone.

 

What about you? Do you have a word for 2020? I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email!