And the Word of the Year Is…

Several years ago, I was a member of a business group that promoted choosing a “word of the year” to guide us in our business pursuits. I did this for three years, but as I approached retirement, I didn’t continue the practice. When I chose a word, I had someone prepare a poster that I could frame and display in my office to help keep me on track. (Those three posters are pictured throughout this article.) A few weeks ago, while attending Sunday morning worship, the pastor spoke on “Steps to Spiritual Health In 2026.” He listed six words using the first letter in HEALTH for each step. His word for “H” was Holiness. 

Not to discount the other five words but “holiness” struck a chord with me. I immediately saw an application of this word to me and realized that I needed to be more holy. As I meditated on this concept (be on the lookout for a separate blog in the future that delves into holiness) God prompted me to adopt this word for the year. When I mentioned the concept of an annual word to some acquaintances, they found it a new concept for them and vowed to seek God’s word for them for the coming year. Since I had originally done it more from a business perspective, I thought it might be good to apply the concept to my spiritual life.

Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God is in control. “My plan will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.”  This tells me two things. First, if we ask God for a word, he will give us one. Secondly, He will guide us in the direction of His plan. We must remember that only God has revealed events before they happened – all to accomplish His plans.

We often talk about the seasons of life. From a professional standpoint, as an adult I can identify several seasons. I held corporate jobs. In another season, I became a college instructor and eventually professor. I owned a CPA business. Now I am in the season of retirement. Seasons are common in the Bible. The Israelites had a long season in the wilderness. That was preceded by a season under slavery in Egypt. Revelation speaks of seasons yet to come. A word of the year can help us navigate the seasons in our lives.

Our word of the year is more about releasing control of our lives to God rather than just choosing a word. He is leading me to become more holy through giving me that word for the year. We have the freedom to choose any word we want, but only if God gives us that word will it come to full fruition – He alone knows what we need and when we need it. Otherwise, we may go astray. In retrospect, I see His hand in the words I previously was given. What steps can we take to  choose the right word? 

Pray for Direction. I see six steps that can guide us along this path. It always starts with prayer. Discover what God wants to teach us at this time in our lives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promises “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” How often does God not keep His promises.

Where are You? Before we can embark on a journey, we need to determine where we are at the time. If you are blindfolded and taken to a remote spot, how do you know which way to get back to where we desire to be? Find a landmark to guide you. Look at your recent history. What did God teach you in the past year? Where do you need to grow?

Scripture Reading. If we want to hear what God has for us, we need to look at what He tells us in scripture. This may help us to see that “our” direction is not where God wants us.

Prayer. Suppose there is a task your spouse would like for you to do. How are you going to know what he or she wants unless you ask them? It is the same with God. Seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 tells us he will reward us for doing so. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.” We must have faith, we must come to Him, and we must seek Him. There is no room for the attitude “Well, I don’t think it will do any good to ask God about that, but I’ll throw up a prayer.”

Be Intentional. Mull over various words. Find a word that describes where you sense God is leading you. Keep the thought in the back of your mind. The first time I did this, the word came to me while I was driving to the doctor. This year, Holiness came to me even before I was consciously seeking.

Integrate it Into Your Daily Life. As mentioned, I had the word framed and posted in my office. Maybe use it as the wallpaper on your table or computer. Buy an office name plate with your word instead of a name. Incorporate it into your prayers. Seek out scripture that is related to the word. You may want to keep a journal of how God is using the word in your life. Share with friends in order to keep yourself accountable.

The choosing of a word for the year is about getting yourself aligned with God’s purpose in your life at this time. When you’re aligned with Him your life will change for the better. Remember God is our good father. As does a human father, He delights when we come to him, You will find mercy and grace, along with His peace.

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To learn more about a new life in Christ, click here.

All scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible  unless otherwise stated.