Looking Ahead to 2018: Resolutions or One Word?
As we begin the New Year, our thoughts go to resolutions. We look back on 2017 and think: “I want to do better at __________.” Looking ahead to 2018 might look like this:
Exercise 4 times a week.
Eat less sugar
Lose 15 pounds.
Spend more time with God.
Read the Bible through.
Work less.
Stop grumbling.
You can fill in your own blanks ____________________.
Looking Ahead to 2018: Resolutions or One Word? #OneWord Share on X
And, we thought our Christmas list was long, ha!
Resolutions are fine, but we often don’t stick with them. Why is that?
For the last several years, instead of resolutions, I have chosen ONE WORD to focus on for the year. Something that I believe God wants me to work on, that will be an all-encompassing effort.
In past years I have chosen words like:
I like being able to focus on one word and watch how God arranges my growth in that area. My one word helps me to pause and ponder more. It seems more purposeful than keeping resolutions.
My Word for the New Year
I am not sure what my word for this coming year will be yet. I don’t want to rush my choosing or be influenced by others. In the coming days, I will watch and listen to what God is saying through His word and other sources to see what bubbles to the surface.
Have you chosen a word?
Please share how you decide on your word in the comments below. Do you use resources? Questions? I’d love to hear how your word helped you focus on what God was doing in and through you.
Have you chosen a word? #OneWord for 2018 Share on X
One resource I noticed from DaySpring might be fun to try. It uses 7 questions to help you choose your one word. I tried it and got: BRAVE. I will see how that comes together in the coming days.
Take DaySpring’s #LiveYourFaith Quiz to find your 2018 Word of Truth – one word that will help you focus on what God is calling you to accomplish in the year ahead.
Or Are You Better at Resolutions?
Wishing you a wonderful 2018,
Jeanne
Happy New Year, Jeanne! Thanks for all of the wonderful insights you have shared during 2017 and I am looking forward to seeing what God has for me through your ministry in 2018. I too have focused on one word for the year. Last year the word was “chosen.” I took the quiz mentioned in your post and I too was given the word “brave.” I will see what God has to say in the year ahead!
Blessings in 2018! 🎉
Sheree, thanks for these words of encouragement – I needed them today. I do think God is calling us to stand firm and go beyond what we think we can do, to possess what He has purposed. It will take brave hearts of His daughters. Warrior princesses.
I have chosen to focus on love with the goal of grasping the real depth of the love of God talked about in Ephesians 3:17-18. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Yes, Barbara. Lord, teach us to love like you love. Happy New Year and many blessings to you and your family.
Happy new year, Jeanne, and to all who read this. Without much thought, the word that came to me for this year is “mercy”.
Donna
Wonderful, Donna. I will love to hear how God uses this in the coming year.
Love whatever you bring to us, Jeanne……..such thought provoking “meat”
I prayed for the word the LORD would have for me……
“Simplify”……..I am thankful for this word. It stirs up a no stress life…….not always easy to keep it that way, but it is a start. I thank God for using you.
I love that word, mom (Jan). Simplify. In everything. I will love seeing how God brings this about in the New Year.
My word for 2016 was peace. That was the first year I had focused on a word for the year. Boy, did I need that focus as I experienced a stroke in my eye early in the year (March). Being required to sit with no bending, lifting, pulling, or pushing repeatedly brought me back to that word. As 2017 approached I was realized peace was again my word for the year. As March approached my mother-in-law was hospitalized with flu and dehydration. An planned two day visit turned into 7 weeks and most of 2017 spent 2 hours from home. This year in November I kept hearing and seeing “believe” three or four times a day. So I am excited and a bit anxious to see how 2018 unfolds and how God speaks to me and teaches me about believing. I will begin to post a journal entry on my website each week to share my experience as I explore this word.
Judy, thanks for sharing your journey. I love seeing how God brought about your word, and how it is just what you needed. I am still not sure of mine for 2018. I am expectant to see what He will say.
I don’t have my one word yet either, Jeanne. But my birthday is early in February, so I usually take this month to seek the Lord about it and have something by that day (a more significant date for me anyway). Think I’ll do the quiz you linked to get me started.
I remember the year my word was “wait.” Whew–that was a tough one!
Carole,
Yes, I had the word wait last year also…for two years actually. It was tough and still feels like I am in the wait. Excited to see how God leads. Keep me posted. In the meantime, I am praying for you. I have a few words rumbling around in my heart. It feels like they are connected. Praying for that too