Word of the Year & Prayers for 2019
I don’t know about you, but over the past 5 years or so I’ve loved picking a “word of the year”! I love seeing what the Lord does in my life throughout the course of the year as I think about that particular word and what it means in my current season of life. This year my word came really naturally and my “goals” flowed organically from there. Instead of calling them goals this year I’m calling them my “prayers for growing in godliness”. The more I worked through what my “goals” would be I realized that my desire through each one was to grow in holiness and godliness; becoming more and more satisfied in Christ. My goals this year aren’t traditional “goals” in the sense that they can’t all be measured exactly or have step by step “to do” lists on how to “accomplish” them. It’s just little by little obedience to the things the Lord has called me to as a believer. Will I have things each month that I want to accomplish in our home or in my businesses? Of course! But this year I decided that I wanted the focus of my “goals” to be about growing deeper in my walk with Jesus. When I’m walking closer with Him, I truly believe all the small things will find their right place in my life. In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.
Satisfied: 1. Pleased or content with what has been experienced or received. 2. Paid in full.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
In December as I was reflecting on 2018 and praying through how I wanted to grow in holiness in 2019 the word “satisfied” kept coming up. I don’t want to constantly look towards circumstances or earthly relationships to fill in my heart what only God can fill. I don’t want to seek after earthly pleasure instead of seeking Christ. No matter what season of life I’m in, I can be satisfied in Christ. No matter what struggle I’m walking through, I can be satisfied in Christ. Being satisfied in Christ is not dependent on any circumstance. I love the second part of the definition I wrote above, “paid in full”. Jesus satisfied the wrath of God on my behalf. My debt has been paid in full by Jesus! It’s BECAUSE of Jesus that I can be satisfied, I can be content.
How am I going to work through this word throughout 2019? I have a list of scriptures I want to study regarding being “satisfied” and each month I’m going to pick one to walk through. I’m also going to try to find a couple of books or sermons to read or listen to as well!
It’s from this word that my “prayers for growing in godliness” flow from and I’m truly so excited to see how the Lord grows me in wisdom and holiness this year!
Grow in the spiritual disciplines.
“… Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8
I am reading the book The Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life and it has 12 chapters that I can walk through each month. A few of the spiritual disciplines I’ll study are bible intake, prayer, worship, journaling, and stewardship. I’m so excited to dig into this book and take all year to chew on the principles that are taught and apply them to my day to day life.
Life a life of joyful satisfaction in the Lord.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
This goes directly along with my word of the year and studying a passage each month to help me understand what it looks like to be satisfied in the Lord. A big practical way I’m going to work through this is by observing the Sabbath. Rest is something that does not come easily and I know for me to truly have sabbath rest, it will involve trusting the Lord and being satisfied in Him. If observing the sabbath is something you do on a weekly basis, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Cultivate life-giving relationships.
“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
I want to be a wife, mama, sister, daughter, and friend this year who is compassionate and gentle and putting the needs of others before her own. I want my heart to be burdened for the needs of others and for my eyes to always be open to how I can serve and love whether it be in my home, our church, or elsewhere. I want my phone to be in my hand less and for my hands to be actively serving others more.
Celebrate, have fun, and praise the Lord for the day He has given!
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Simply put, I want to not be so serious and LAUGH and ENJOY this sweet life the Lord has given me! That means celebrating well, trying new things, getting outside, laughing when things are funny and sometimes even laughing when they’re not. I want my attitude to be overflowing with thankfulness! A practical way I’m going to try and cultivate this is by journaling weekly (daily is my lofty goal!!!) and just listing out all the things little and big that I can praise Jesus for.
Steward my time, talents, and body well to be a strong believe that does all things for the glory of God.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
I want my life to reflect my relationship with Christ whether that be in the unseen moments of taking care of our home (aka not grumbling about laundry) or in the way I conduct my business or in physically taking care of my body well. I want to use social media well, serve others with my businesses, and have a home where others feel loved. No matter if I’m washing dishes for the 13th time that day or out on a photoshoot, I want my attitude to reflect that of a woman who loves the Lord and seeks to bring Him glory in any and every situation.
Lord, may you be made much of in my life this year!
