For a few weeks now I have seen posts popping up on blogs and on message boards with people revealing their “Word of the Year” for 2011. I wanted to join in, but I had no clue what my word would be. So, I’ve waited. I’ve prayed. I even thought to myself that maybe I’m not supposed to have a word this year…
But, then the Lord pricked my heart as I read this. Ann’s words have a way of doing that to me. The Lord has used her time and time again to speak to my heart. I am so grateful.
You see, I don’t need a “word” of the year. I don’t need to pick something just to pick something. I want a theme…I want a focus…I want a word to return to when the moments are hard and the days are long.
There are several words that I have pondered over.
Pray.
Quiet.
Rejoice.
Worship.
All worthy of my focus and attention. But, when I thought of *the* word, I knew it was the one. I heard a gentle Whisper telling me that it was time for me to rest in Him. You would think with my word last year, abide, that I would have learned to rest in Him. 🙂 But I still have so far to go!
This resting is very specific, though. I’m not thinking it will be a year of resting as in I don’t accomplish anything. 🙂 But, the resting I’m wanting to dwell on is resting in His goodness. I want to rest in His love for me.
This word, rest, means a lot of different things in my heart…
- This means that when my feelings tell me otherwise, I choose to rest in His love.
- This means that when I feel offended, I choose to rest in His protection for me.
- This means that when I am swayed by negative thoughts, I will pray towards resting in His goodness.
- This means that instead of trying to work or feel my way to happiness, I will choose to rest in the fact that He is enough.
- This means that when the old, familiar lies are whispered to my ear from the enemy, I will choose to rest in His truth.
More of Him, less of me. That seems to be a theme in my life…I often feel there is just too much of me all over the place. My words. My feelings. My thoughts. Me, me, me. I get so tired of me! I want more of HIM. His Words. His Thoughts. His Love. His Goodness.
Pray for me, friends. Pray that I will not choose the old, familiar path of dwelling on my feelings. My feelings are so all over the place. My feelings are up and down in one day’s time in staggering amounts. I hate it. I need to stop focusing on the roller coaster and focus on His STEADFAST & UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for me.
Rest. Pray that I can rest in Him for my security, my peace and my hope.
“May Your unfailing love rest upon us, Lord, as we put our hope in You.” Psalm 33:22
Absolutely beautiful. Rest was my word last year. I loved it. This year I am unsure, but it feels more aggressive, which is surprising to me, I usually have word like rest, abide, still, ect. 😉 Pursue, conquer, conquest, all these fit this year. hmmmm. I was healed this year of a long term illness, I think it might be about taking back what was stolen from me . . .anyway, your post was so encouraging. Blessings to you as you seek to ‘rest’ this year. May He give grace for rest.
First, I followed you from Ann’s
I think your year of “rest” in God’s goodness sounds awfully good.
And amen to “more of him, less of me” – I heart that.
My word is connecting, not just by clicking, or meeting, but by seeing better and knowing better.
I’ve just finished praying for your year of “rest” that Our Lord help you rest in Him for security, peace and hope.
May God bless and you and all of yours
I heard this song on the radio today and immediately thought of you and your word of the year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0B2ybZpDeM
It is such a beautiful song! With amazing words. 🙂
– I’m sorry Marcy. It’s hard wanting to be open and honest only to have your thoughts and ideas used for other’s gain. I bought up a bunch of your new stuff at 2 peas and love every last bit!