by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Since we're nearing the end of 2017, I thought I'd share my One Word for 2018.
I’ve long since given up making New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I use this time to allow God to redirect my steps onto the path He has for me. I’d like to take today to share how I go about that.
I began this process in 1996 when, at the urging of several godly friends, I began asking God for a verse to guide my steps during the coming year. He faithfully supplied that first verse and has done so every year since.
I’ve loved the practice of searching out His will, and it’s become a sweet time of fellowship as I listen for His voice. Then, in 2012, a new friend suggested I also ask Him to supply a single word for the coming year. (Thank you, Beth Vogt.) I did, and again the process added depth to my relationship with God.
This year I, after much prayer, I’ve chosen the word Remember. The verses God has spoken to me about this word is Isaiah 50:4-5 (NCV)
The Lord God gave me the ability to teach so that I know what to say to make the weak strong. Every morning he wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. The Lord God helps me learn, and I have not turned against him nor stopped following him.
The Lord God gave me the ability to teach so that I know what to say to make the weak strong. Every morning he wakes me. He teaches me to listen like a student. The Lord God helps me learn, and I have not turned against him nor stopped following him.
For me, God is using this verse to remind me of my calling and remember everything that comes through me that is good, is from Him. This is my goal. I never believe I have arrived at this state.
I encourage you to choose your own word for 2018 and then share it here with us in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLE
I don't have it yet ... but there's still time. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for you.
DeleteAne, you're absolutely right, there's still time! Blessings, E
DeleteAmen, Edie. I prayed for a word of the year,also. My word for 2018 is "Holiness" A different word like, strive, run, listen, or steadfast would appeal to me more. Hee hee. I desire to be set apart for His glory and use. There are many commandments in the New Testament to live a holy life. I can only do this with the power of the Holy Spirit. I will pray that God brings things to remembrance for you. Lamentations 3:19-26 are my go to verses when God calls me to remember. I know our Great God will continue to use you. God's richest blessings on you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteCherrilynn, good word...tough word. I know God will bring blessing through your obedience!
DeleteEdie:
ReplyDeleteRemember— what an important word for the coming year, especially knowing how many important things you are involved in. We can all get to so busy doing that we forget to pause and remember — and yet, how often does God call us to remembrance?
Beth, thank you!
DeleteI've been doing this for several years as well. My word for 2018 is Victory. I've been struggling with spiritual warfare on behalf of my family and God has promised me victory. My verse is John 8:32 then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
ReplyDeleteLuana, I love that you're already claiming the victory God has promised!
DeleteAmen Ms. Edie, My word for this year was "Thankful" and boy oh boy has that ringed true. Still praying for 2018, but am certain our God will supply as He never fails. God's blessings in the new year everyone!
ReplyDeleteJim, I know God will answer you! Blessings, E
DeleteRemember! Great word. This year my word was "Love." Ohhhhh, boy....did Love undo me. I'm arguing with myself and probably God about 2018. I think I know it, but it's too ridiculous to say it...yet.
ReplyDeleteJulie, sometimes the most ridiculous things are the best things! Blessings, E
DeleteThis is my first year of hearing about this and the word Courage jumped into my mind. So Courage it is. Happy New Year Edie.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, courage is a great choice! I'll be praying as your year unfolds, Blessings, E
DeleteEdie, what a wonderful challenge. Thank you for sharing and reminding us that God still speaks to His children and patiently waits for us to listen. I can’t wait to find out my verse and word! Blessings, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteEmme, I"ll be praying for you!
DeleteMy word is fearless. Gulp...
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you're already walking in that word, by being fearless enough to claim it. I know God is going to do great things! Blessings, E
DeleteEdie: My word for 2018 is "obedience." My word for 2017 has been "peace." I found peace to guide me through most of the year. Each year, in October, I write in my blog about my word for that year. Peace and Blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI love those two words! October is a great time to choose. I try to begin asking around then, but I don't always settle on the word until closer to the end of the year. Thank you for sharing! Blessings, E
Deletewow I do like your word. My word for next year is enough. God is enough. I am enough. I have enough. Just wrote a blog post about this process too and so much fun to read your post too.
ReplyDeleteJean, that's a magnificent word! Blessings, E
DeleteMine is love because I want to focus more on the depths of God's love.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, what a wonderful focus for the year! Blessings, E
DeleteI remember :) that you and Beth are the ones who started me on my One Word journey several years ago. It's been life changing, really. My word for 2018 is simplicity. Thanks for all you share!
ReplyDeleteKim, you’ve been with me since the beginning of my one word journey (and through a lot of my blogging journey). Every time I see that you’ve commented it makes me feel like I’m seeing a much-loved old friend! Blessings on your new year!!!
DeleteLoved your scripture Edie! I'm writing that one down. That's the story of my life every morning as I prepare for the Bite of Bread daily broadcasts. My word for the year is "wisdom." Much love my friend. I'm excited for you to get back to your heart-call.
ReplyDeleteAndy, thank you so much! I struggled with sharing this scripture because I didn’t want anyone to think that this is how I see myself. I value the encouragement and wisdom you share on Bite of Bread and here on TWC. love that you’re my friend! Blessings, E
DeleteWhat a beautiful post, Edie! I love the word you chose and how you found it.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of choosing a word for the year. As I began reading through the comments, I thought, "I don't know, I'll have to think about this." Then clear as day, Trust. One of those moments where the clarity of the response is jarring.
But it's right. I struggle with unknowns. I stress and worry endlessly. The word couldn't be more perfect. Trust that I'm on the path God wants me on (because I can't tell you how many times he has heard: "Lord, I don't know...").
Thank you for sharing this, it really touched something I didn't know I needed.
God Bless!
Diane, what a beautiful way God spoke to you! Thank you so much for sharing it with us, blessings, E
DeleteGlorify.
ReplyDeleteNot about us, but about Him. "He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied with Him." per author/pastor John Piper.
Mike, AMEN!
DeleteEdie, this scripture fits you to perfection. Love it! And thank you for all that you do for all of us.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, it’s definitely what I’m striving to become, Blessings, E
DeleteShort story: I’m recycling my word from 2 years ago. Middlin’ story: Two years ago I heard about the one word concept, chose a word that was absolutely perfect, and then floundered right out of the gate. Or in the words of another cliche, I was all hat, no cattle.
ReplyDeleteLonger story: My word is follow. I am committed to following God to the best of my ability every day. I know if I do that, the other things I considered — joy, peace, love, etc — will come. I want it all — all that God offers, but they’re His to offer. It’s my role to follow and wait on Him and His timing.
Patti, I love this! God is all about second chances, thank you for the reminder! Blessings, E
DeleteThis is my third year to choose a one word theme and corresponding Bible verse. My word for 2018 is Peace and my Bible verse is Numbers 6:24–26 “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace” (NLT). I printed the verse and taped it to the front of my 2018 planner
ReplyDeleteLast year, my word was joy. He taught me a great deal about how searching for joy in every situation can keep me on the proper path. It also taught me that my personal journey can positively affect those around me. This year, I kept hearing or reading the words "Be still ... and know that I am God." I look forward to the journey He has in store for me this year. I tend to be a worrier. My first novel releases this year. I'm getting older and have more health issues slowing me down. I expect Him to teach me to let Him handle the hard stuff so I can concentrate on who I am supposed to BE, not what I think I'm supposed to DO. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteNo way!!! That's my word for 2018 too!!!
ReplyDelete