A lot of people make New Year’s resolutions. I’ve done it. They’re cool.
But…they usually don’t last.
Why?
Well, usually they’re very high and lofty goals, and life gets busy, and it’s too hard to fit that goal in. So it goes buh-bye.
But last year, I heard about a concept (thank you, Beth Vogt) whereby you pick ONE word to focus on during the year. I thought I’d try it this year, and started to think…and pray…about what word I’d choose.
My instant first thought was TRUST. I have a hard time trusting and waiting on God. Not all the time, but let’s just say that in general, me and patience don’t get along very well. Ha. Plus, this year at the big writers conference I attended, God gave me my life verse: Philippians 1:6 (thus the header on my blog!).
But I kind of feel like trust is a life theme, not just one for 2013.
Then one word popped into my head: rejoice. It didn’t make all that much sense at first, since I don’t know if I’ll have anything to rejoice about in 2013 (I hope so, but you never know!).
I’d mulled it over for a few days but hadn’t committed quite yet.
Not until I got a birthday/Christmas present from my awesome critique partner, Melissa Tagg. She sent me a journal (see pic) with this written on it: “Rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4).
Um, yeah.
Okay, God, I hear you!!
So in 2013, I’ve got plans. Plans to rejoice.
No matter what happens–what I want, or what I don’t want.
What I expect or what I don’t expect.
It doesn’t matter. God’s calling me to REJOICE in whatever it is, because He is good, all the time. No matter my circumstances.
I get chills just thinking about how much He loves me, and am rejoicing already about what’s to come in 2013!
Your Turn: Do you have a word you’re planning to focus on for 2013? I’d love to hear it!
My word for 2012 was TIME…and God used that in SO many ways, one of which was pressing me to take the time to count my blessings in ALL things, in ALL times:) So I resonate with you. Learning to rejoice in every situation has been an amazing part of my year and become a theme in my life now. Praying God blows you away this year!
Aww, I love your 2013 word! There's so much to rejoice about always…but I feel like in the coming year, there's going to be an abundance for you. 🙂 And, too, I love the call to rejoice no matter what.
I don't have a word yet for the year. But I'll be mulling it!
My word for 2011 was Assurance and for 2012 it was Focus. I'm not sure what my word for 2013 will be. I'll have to pray about it.
Lindsay, great word for 2013! Mine for 2012 was Cling, and this year it's Courage. God has whispered some scary (good) things in my ear about this year and I'm going to need to be brave.
I love the idea of picking one word. I haven't done that before and I gave up on making resolutions a long time ago, so I'm going to start praying about it and pick a word for 2013. At this point, it might be "survive"… lol. Can you tell I'm still in shock that I'll have THREE boys?????? 🙂
I love this idea! Rejoice, sounds just like your heart:)
Love it! It suits you. It fits your recent/current blog series about exalting Him, it fits your heart for worship, it fits the way you move about life. Thank you for sharing!
I think rejoice is a great word for your year, Lindsay. I look forward to doing some rejoicing on your behalf.
Coming to this post late … and celebrating your word for 2013. Can't wait to see all the reasons you have to rejoice in the coming year.
My word for 2013 is "Confidence."
I'm focusing on the verse in Hebrews 10 that says "Do not throw away your confidence … " and I'm applying this to my spiritual, emotional, physical and professional life.
Hugs, my friend!
Rejoice!!! My word for 2012 was "grace". I needed it in SO many ways!! Thnx for the reminder to rejoice in Jesus daily! 🙂
All of you have had great words in the past! I love hearing everyone's words and to hear how God used them in ways you didn't expect. I'm hoping for God to do the same with my word this year. 🙂 Love you all! Thanks for your constant love and support.
My word for 2013 is "precipice". I am on one. And I am LEAPING!!
Rejoice is a great word! I'm excited to follow along as you rejoice throughout 2013.