Every day, week, month, and year God wants us to have things to look forward to. When we complete one adventure or challenge He always encourages us to look to Him and enquire, “What’s next?” Without the “what’s next” moments with God, we will begin to wonder why on earth we are even here? As a result we can very quickly become despondent and depressed.
Everyone, no matter what stage of life they are in, needs something to make them glad they are alive. We are creative beings, made by the Great Creator. When we no longer have anything to create, or to envisage, it is far too easy to get “bogged” down in the trials, tribulations, and stressful things of life. God doesn’t want that. He desires that we live our lives using our gifts, knowing our purpose, and being passionate about everything we are and do.
We are made to live meaningful and purpose filled lives where we have something to look forward to in our day and the year ahead. I’ve discovered that having a particular word for each year helps me to have a focus for the year, and a word to define what God wants me to concentrate on. It’s takes faith and courage to not just go through our days existing; and it takes knowing our power, purpose and passion to live a life that makes a positive difference in the world.
Having a word for the year, where we have inquired after and listened to God about what He wants us to focus and grow in, helps us filter all of our busyness through this “one word” to ensure that we are not getting off course. Having a word that gives direction as to how, what and where we invest our time, energy and money, motivates us to spend our life on what matters.
Imagine if everyone had a focus and vision before them that caused them to live out their destiny in God. Imagine if everyone was excited about the journey they were on, and were making a positive impact on the world by using their gifts and abilities.
I love the apostle Paul’s passionate words about what his life was all about. He knew what he was alive to do and be. His purpose was to know Jesus. To know how much Jesus loves us; what He has provided for us through His death and resurrection? To know the power of Jesus’ name, and Him as counsellor, friend, encourager, leader, and peace giver?
Paul said, “For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognising and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]”(Philippians 3:8 AMP)
Paul lived an amazing, exciting, meaningful life. Regardless of the high and lows he remained steadfast, and fulfilled His calling. And as a result he was able to say towards the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Today take the steps to discover the simple, powerful tool of identifying a “one word” vision for your life and year. Ask God about possible words that might define your gifts, your purpose and the things that inspire you to live your best life, so that you too may run your race well.
Prepare your heart and ask God to reveal your word to you with the simple question, “What do you want to do in me and through me this year? Then write down what comes to your mind and heart.
Keep your “one word” where you can see it as a regular reminder of your vision for the year. Share it with those who will support you, as you live it out with conviction, purpose and passion.
Prayer: Lord thank you for vision, and a focus for the year ahead. Please help me to discover my one word for this year, so that I will make the most of every day and opportunity before me. In Jesus Name Amen.
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