As a new year dawns, many of us set goals, make resolutions, and dream about what lies ahead. But have you ever thought about choosing a single word to define your year?
A “Word of the Year” is more than a goal; it’s a focus, a prayer, and a way to keep your heart aligned with God’s plan for your life. Let’s explore why this simple practice can transform your year and how to incorporate it into your Bible journaling.
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
-
Clarity in the Chaos
Life can feel overwhelming, with countless distractions pulling us in different directions. A Word of the Year acts as a compass, keeping you centered on a spiritual theme or area of growth. -
Spiritual Growth
Whether it’s “Faith,” “Peace,” “Trust,” or “Joy,” a Word of the Year invites God to work in a specific area of your life. It becomes a prayerful focus, shaping how you read Scripture and seek Him. -
A Gentle Reminder
Instead of feeling pressure to check off resolutions, a Word of the Year gently reminds you to embrace growth at your own pace. It’s an invitation, not an obligation.
How to Choose Your Word
-
Pray for Guidance
Begin by asking God to reveal the word He wants to shape your life. Listen for a theme that resonates in your heart or appears in your Bible reading.
- Print the Word List
Print out the free Word a Year List (pdf) for ideas.
-
Reflect on the Past Year
Consider where God has brought you and where you sense Him leading you next. Are you being called to surrender? To trust? To rejoice? -
Be Open to Surprises
Sometimes the word you need isn’t the one you’d expect. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, even if the word feels challenging. - Consider God’s Character
A meaningful approach is to choose a word inspired by one of God’s five key attributes revealed in Exodus 34:6–7. Watch the Video Above.- Compassionate (Rakhum): Tender mercy and care for all creation.
- Gracious (Khanun): Unearned favor and abundant patience.
- Patient (Slow to Anger Erekh Apayim): Calm and steadfast in the face of rebellion.
- Loyal Love (Khesed): Unwavering, covenantal love.
- Faithful (’Emet): Reliable and true to His promises.
Bible Journaling Ideas for Your Word of the Year
Use Bible journaling to bring your Word of the Year to life. Whether you journal by hand or digitally, these prompts can help you reflect and grow:
-
Create a Cover Page for Your Word
Frame your Word of the Year with a Scripture that supports it. For example, if your word is “Hope,” use Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. -
Write a Prayer of Dedication
Journal a prayer asking God to use this word to transform your life. Decorate it with flowers, frames, or clusters to make it meaningful. -
Reflect on Verses
Find and journal several verses that relate to your word. Write each one on a journal card and add them to a pocket or frame them on your page. -
Track Your Progress
Create a monthly reflection page to record how your Word of the Year has shown up in your life. Look for small victories, lessons, or areas of growth. -
Make a Vision Board
Incorporate your word into a creative layout with images, verses, and prayers that inspire you. For example, if your word is “Abundance,” include imagery of harvests or overflowing baskets. -
Memorize Scripture
Choose one verse related to your word each month and commit it to memory. Journal about how it changes your perspective. -
Design a Word Study
Dive deeper into the Hebrew or Greek meaning of your word. For instance, if your word is “Peace,” study shalomand its rich biblical significance. -
Celebrate Milestones
As you see your Word of the Year manifest in your life, journal about those moments. Thank God for His faithfulness.
Encouragement
Choosing a Word of the Year is a simple yet profound way to start the year with intention. Through prayer, Scripture, and Bible journaling, your word can become a lens through which you see God’s work in your life. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress and connection with the Lord.
As you pick your word, remember Philippians 1:6: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
So grab your journal, pray, and embrace this journey. One word can change everything.
January Bible Journal Class
2024 was a challenging year for me, as I’m sure it was for many of you. I felt a deep sorrow as I witnessed family members and friends being misled by mainstream media propaganda and falsehoods, embracing narratives that conflicted with truth and discernment.
The constant barrage of deception was disheartening, often leaving me feeling overwhelmed and powerless. Yet, in the midst of this struggle, I sensed God calling me to turn to His Word for guidance and clarity.
That prompting led me to an intensive Bible study on living faithfully and triumphantly in a world filled with corruption. This transformative study became the foundation for the January class,
Hope and Light in a Corrupt World. This class is included in the BibleJournalClasses membership.
