How To Choose Your Word Of The Year
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
Proverbs 20: 5
Proverbs 20: 12-13
Show Notes:
Words carry power, and words carry weight. When illuminated to your spirit by God, words can set the course for your life!
To hear the word that God has intended to be your banner–or motto–for the year ahead, you must position yourself to perceive. Perceive what God plans to accomplish in and through your life through your unique word.
A word of the year helps us live with a focus, thus prioritizing areas of our lives based on what the Lord speaks to us, whether that be spiritual or practical. Think of words of the year as a compass–providing clarity and direction for all areas of life.
How do you come to identify your word of the year? Walking through the following practical steps will help you in your journey to hearing from God and taking hold of the guidance He hopes to provide through not only His Words found in the Bible but also your individual word of the year.
First, reflect on the past year, this includes taking inventory of what worked, what you can do more of, what you need to do less of, and so on. Ask yourself: What worked? What did God do? What do you need to continue doing? Were there productive habits that you can build on to yield even more fruit?
What are the things you can do more of, such as little habits that God is calling you to grow as you mature in Him? What do you need to do less of that may not line up with your word of the year, and then what do you need to stop doing altogether?
Once you’ve completed this inventory of the previous year, if you didn’t originally do so, write each area down on paper for visualization and clarity. Afterward, take a moment of gratitude for all He has done in the past year, and pray this simple prayer:
“Heavenly Father, speak to me from your spirit of what you want to do for this upcoming year”
Next, grab your Bible, put on some worship music, and ask yourself: What do you want to exemplify? Who do you want to be? As Proverbs 20:5 states, “The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Your word of the year can come in the form of a desire, an impression in your spirit, or a word that keeps coming to you. Try journaling during these times or perceiving with God so you can revisit what He revealed to you.
Once you’ve perceived and have obtained your word of the year, it’s time to take action steps! Prepare declarations and begin acting out in those declarations. This will look different from person to person and from word to word.
Lastly, let your word be your banner all year long! Ensure everything you do has some expression of your word attached to it.
Words are a prophetic declaration of what God wants to do in your life. Let your word be the filter for what your world looks like this year and see God do amazing things on your behalf according to your faith and expectations!