Just One Word

We all know there's power in a word. Spoken, thought, or written.

God, Himself, came as The Word in the person of Jesus, and the Bible is God's written Word.

Last year, our pastor challenged us all to choose one word to focus on for 2013, and to keep it as an anchor of sorts throughout the year. I chose the word 'abide'.

Here are a few verses & passages I read over and over:
Psalm 15
Psalm 61
Psalm 91
Proverbs 15:31-33
John 8:31-36
John 15
1 John, chapters 2-4

And a sermon by John Piper that helped me remember what it means to abide in Christ:

If My Words Abide In You (2009)

I haven't necessarily abided in Jesus all year. In fact, of all the years to choose the word abide to focus on, it's been the hardest year to do just that. I suppose that's why He gave me the word so strongly at the end of last year!! I needed the consistent reminder to choose abiding in Him over giving up. And there were many times I wanted to throw my hands up in confusion or defeat - and He beckoned me to let go and abide in His love for me. His unchanging, unfailing, longsuffering, everlasting love. Even in the midst of an ongoing battle with spiritual apathy, He reminds me often to rest on the Truth that I know and recall to mind His Word, and let Him speak hope and healing to my soul.

Pastor extended the invitation to us again Sunday morning as we get ready to ring in a new year (listen to the message here!). I've been praying about and thinking hard on which word He would have me choose for '14, and He has clearly given me the word:

JOY.

Will you pray about taking the challenge of choosing one word for 2014?

Learning to abide,
looking forward to joy,
for His glory!
~Lisha

I may be sharing this at these amazing Link-up parties!