Refreshing

Do you ask God for a word for the year?

I just started doing this a few years ago, and all throughout each year, the word would come back to mind. I know that was God helping me! My word for 2021 was “alignment.” It was all about leaving old ways behind and beginning to step into who the Father created me to be.

• I made a lot of physical changes with my diet
• I changed the way I spend and save money
• I put our tithe on autopay so I would stop forgetting to pay it
• I changed some habits around my home
• I accomplished some new goals at work
• I stepped out to serve more in my church

By asking the Lord for a word for the year, and with God’s help to remember that word and put it to good use, I accomplished so much more than I would have if I had not had this kind of anchor in my life. It’s so great to be able to look over the past year and see forward motion!

In our last super challenging season, which lasted seven years, I gained 50 pounds. During that time, I was deep into people pleasing and used every gift God had given me to gain some kind of attention. I carried the weight of the world on my shoulders, and boy, did I eat my feelings!

Secret Twinkies were my favorite…

It has been nearly three years since our new and current season of life began. In His grace, the Lord delivered us into a new church that is like an oasis in the desert: a place of peace. We have been smothered, in a good way, with love and hugs and laughter and depth of teaching… depth of relationship… depth of heart… depth of healing. I have cried about it many times this week. My heart is full.

So in 2022, my goal is to lose that extra weight as a symbol of shedding the past, and a celebration of all the Lord has done in my life. This will be a challenge! I have learned to eat better, but I’m not as consistent as I need to be. Depending on my own willpower has never worked, because my “will” wants to eat Twinkies, and that sugar pull can be quite a monster at times. So, I’ll have to depend on faith in action, and renewing my mind with God’s Word. I really can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). More to come…

“So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; and that He may send [to you] Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed to you.”

Acts 3:19-20 AMP

My word for this year is Refreshing, and that is what I’m praying for you, as well.

For me, refreshing speaks of rest, restoration, renewal. It makes me think of healing and gaining back what was lost. I love the scripture reference above. This is a picture of cleansing ourselves, putting off our old unhealthy habits and mindsets, coming into real life change… so that we might finally be able to breathe again.

And beyond just “breathing,” refreshing speaks of strength, endurance, and courage. I am praying for the breaking off of fear and intimidation, and for an increase of boldness in my life and in yours. I am praying for a refreshing of God’s Word and an uprising of His Spirit in our lives.

I encourage you to ask for a word, or pray for a vision for this year, as well. The Bible says that without a vision, God’s people perish (Proverbs 29:18). We need an anchor, a plow to put our hands to, so we do not lose sight of all God is doing in our lives… And so we do not lose hope! If we’re not moving forward, we’re probably sliding back…

If you have a word or vision for the year, and if you feel comfortable sharing, then please comment below and let me know what it is. I’d love to hear about it, and help you pray through it.

So looking forward to walking through this year with you! Praying we trust Him more. Praying we read His word nearly every day. Praying we reach out to the Father and let Him in. Praying we follow Him as He shows us how. In Jesus’ name.