Word of the Year: Obedience

Today I want to share something I have been doing for a couple of years now. 

For the past several years, I have had a theme. Usually, this theme is simplified to one word per year, and I take a conscious effort to explore what it means to incorporate that word theme into my life. 

homemade chai latte for thoughtful mornings

Last year, my word was "Restore." Understanding the impact of being restored, and speaking restoration over people in prayer and admonishment filled this past year. I saw my dad's health restored. I saw parts of my family's relationships with each other restored. I even began to believe that I myself could be restored to a right relationship with Jesus Christ. 

As last year came to a close, I began to pray for a new theme. A theme I could build upon a year of restoration. How do I find my word, you might be wondering...And that's a fair question! I spend some time in prayer. I just start to ask God, "What part of me is lacking You? Where can I grow this year? What can You change in me that will impact the circles of influence I am in?" And then I wait. I keep praying and listening and then I will usually have an impression on my heart and mind. Sometimes I get a thought in my mind that is not something I generate myself, but I believe is from God. Then, this word/concept/theme is confirmed through verses I read in my Bible during my study times, sermons I listen to via podcast and in church, and sometimes even by mentors or strangers (who are usually brothers and sisters in Christ that I just haven't met yet)! God speaks to me in these ways, confirming that this is indeed the direction He is leading me.

One thing to remember is that God speaks and can confirm and affirm the direction of your life. What He speaks lines up with His Word, found in the Bible, every time. And He can, in fact, speak to you. God craves intimacy with us- that means He wants to be interwoven into our lives with a divine closeness, where we share our joys and our sorrows with the Lord, openly and unreservedly.

So this year, my word is "Obedience." Just like I described earlier, God placed that word into my heart and mind, confirmed it, and affirmed it. At first, I was excited but nervous. I knew that "obedience" also translated to "not putting off what you know you need to do." I have been learning already that delayed obedience is disobedience. (James 4:17)

Friends, here is my challenge for you. Pray about the direction God wants to take your life. For me, focusing on one attribute of my relationship with God has helped a lot! It helps me to focus. It might work for you, or  it might not. Each journey is a little different! Be patient with yourself, and give yourself the grace that Christ already paid for. I know it can be frustrating as we realize our imperfections and shortcomings, but instead, let it point you to our Savior who completes us. I am right here with you! We will take it one spirit-empowered, God-centered, grace-filled day at a time. 

Praying for you & confident that the best is yet to come!

XO,

Mel