Originally published Monday, 14 March 2016.
TRUST ~ HOPE ~ FREEDOM ~ VISION ~ REMAIN
I'm one of those girls that enjoys praying through a word for an entire year. Not only does it keep you focused on noticing the word, but God will often define it in ways that you haven't thought of. I've been practicing this for five years and what I have learned in the process gives a deeper meaning to living. Each year brings a new adventure to digging deeper with God in faith.
"Have you ever thought about writing a book about your 'word of the year'"? Good question! When my friend posed that idea to me, she had me at "writing"! I wondered if I should pray about that idea first, then I realized I already am doing that.
It's called journaling.
I'm a verbal processer, just ask my husband. He says I can talk to a post about anything, even when I know the post isn't listening. I have that gift (smirking here). I also accept that I have a different perspective about a lot of things, mostly because I am a girl and wasn't blessed with an "empty box" like you dudes! There are many days I desire to check out too. Oh how I wish I could put my hurried thoughts and ideas to the side.
I can't! It's the way I am wired and how my brain operates. For me, if I'm giving my time to something, I'm all in on that something. What that means is that I will look at an idea from every angle, perspective or meaning you want to throw at it. I examine every possible detail. Ironically, though I don't have to know the details to follow an idea.
I know...don't try to understand it because it's the female human condition, but what I have learned from being a deep thinker is that there is always something to learn by taking a second look or looking at it from a different perspective. I would like to take this process a step further to suggest, that once the negative influence is removed and the positive aspects are brought to the surface, there's always a gem inside.
It's much like the gold digger show my husband watches on TV. They go to great heights to discover one little half ounce. They consider it worth their time to dig more to find the hidden value, and desire to spend more time doing just that. Digging in, even if it means time spent produces nothing! Even when there is a risk involved, (they go to some precarious locations), even against all odds. They still consider the costs of the desire and then match their motives up with what drives them.
Since I want a personal relationship with my relationship-driven God, then I am going to go for, dig in, and realize as much as I can about the relationship! I consider it like this:
Jesus is all about people and loving them where they at in the journey, so that drives me to respond as Jesus does, giving as Jesus does, and loving in a way that changes people toward their destiny.
The process gives me a stronger meaning of it all, but it's hard work to focus on one thing. Overall, the process is good, and requires determination, dedication and consecration of everything that you are. You must faithful unto this as He has been faithful to teach us all. Here are a few lessons I have learned so far about my "words for the year."
TRUST ~ HOPE ~ FREEDOM ~ VISION ~ REMAIN
When I need clarity, God teaches submission.
When I need solutions, God teaches abiding trust.
When I need truth, God uncovers deception.
When I need hope, God shows faithful.
When I need comfort, God teaches how to listen closer.
When I need direction, God shows His protection.
When I need strength, God gives opportunity to show weaknesses.
When I need His heart, God shows His deep love.
When I need faith, God shows me fears.
When I need more light, He pulls back my darkness.
When I need confidence, God shows me how to lead.
When I need freedom, God shows my chains.
When I need healing, God shows power.
TRUST ~ HOPE ~ FREEDOM ~ VISION ~ REMAIN
Many things are never like I expected but each truth is right and good. Life is a great teacher for sure, but the biggest lesson is one of humility and learning to listen well and loving in the most excellant way. That's a word that we can all grow on!
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