A new year is like the brand-new box of crayons you opened on the first day of school. An array of colors. Sharp points. Wonder over all you might create. And don’t forget that smell. Ahhh … the smell of newness!
In 2018, AUTHENTIC was my word. Boy, was that a hard year! Yet, because God and the people He placed around me helped shovel out a truckload of hurt, 2019 invited JOY into my life. Believe it or not, 2020 did indeed become my year of PRAISE. Even though the year seemed filled with sadness, stress, and separation, I couldn’t help but give God praise for infusing me with His supernatural strength to meet the challenges placed in front of us all.
Having a word (from the Word) for the year provides a handle on life when storms threaten to blow away our peace. It keeps us laser-focused. I’ve thought much about my word for 2021, and this is the one that keeps coming to mind: PROCLAIM! The Holy Spirit took His time in teaching me how to find more love, grace, and friendship to empower me to want to show more love, grace, and friendship to more and more people. In the words of Jeremiah, “His word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” Those of you who’ve found more of Him understand that feeling too. You just want to shout it from the rooftops! Paul and Peter knew that feeling as well. Here’s what they had to say about proclaiming:
“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We PROCLAIM him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.” (Colossians 1:27-29)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may PROCLAIM the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
2020 taught us many things about ourselves, our people, and our world. Let’s use what we’ve learned to vividly add color to the lives of those around us.
Do you have a word for the year? If so, please share it with us in the comment box. I can’t wait to see the direction the Spirit moves Monday morning as I write about friendship for Tuesday’s post. He has done great things! May His love be PROCLAIMED above all else! Until then … Happy New Year!
