And here we are, at the beginning of a new year.
Going into a fresh, new year has always brought a little excitement to my heart. Even with as unexpected as 2020 was, I’m still excited about 2021.
For years, I’ve picked a word to be my “one little word” for the year. I choose one word to be my driving force for the year.
While I was thinking and praying for my one little word, I spent some time reading Ali Edwards blog. She is the creator of one little word. There are some amazing, inspiring words to chose from! Inspire, calm, believe, still, thrive, whole and forward are just a few of the words others have chosen.
Today as I was walking through my quiet house having a little chat with God, He kept bringing one word to my mind. I sat at my desk and spent some more time pouring over lists of words. Over and over again, God kept calling me to that same word.
And with that, I give you my word for 2021.
Contentment.
I’ve claimed this word as my theme for the next 365 days. I’m going to post it where I can see it daily and meditate on it often. This one little word is something shared between God and I (well, and all of y’all now). I have a little feeling it’s something I might need to do some heart work over.
I did a quick search to read some Bible verses on contentment.
Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
What stands out to me the most from the verses above is that they all have a common thread. You can only find contentment in Christ.
How can you be joyful when your bank account is creamed-corn-on-toast-for-days low? Christ in me. How can you love people that are downright rotten to you? Christ in me. How can you withstand the days of chronic pain? Christ in me. How can you not be overwhelmed with the ridiculous pressures in life? Christ in me.
I have a feeling my God and I are going to have lots of chats about having contentment in my heart.
I have plans to make a contentment journal to write in daily. In my daily “God talk” time, I’ll ask God to show me what He has to teach me about the word in my life. I’ll collect quotes and verses and sermon notes and conversation tidbits, tucking them all away in my journal.
As we head into the New Year, would you want to join me and consider claiming a word for the year? I’m sure He has a special one just for you. Write the word down, pray about it, journal about it and open your heart for whatever lessons God has in store for you.
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