Women’s Devotional – Day 8
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”
Each year I am challenged to find my “One Word” for the year. Years ago, a friend introduced me to this approach. “One Word” came from a book by Jon Gordon, where he inspired others to prayerfully focus on the Holy Spirit moving you NOT towards a New Year’s Resolution, but to ONE focused, God inspired word for the year.
“One Word” helps cut through the distractions of our busy lifestyles and helps provide clarity on what really matters to God. Narrowing down to one word to focus on for the entire year may sound impossible, but life is crazy, and being intentional about simplifying things actually makes life easier. Some examples of words that my friends and I have used in years past are Boldness, Focus, Surrender, Called, Intentional, Abide, Grace, Strength, Beloved, Growth, and Forgive.
For the year 2024, God showed me that in the hustle and bustle of life, I was really not taking time to LISTEN to him fully. When we pray, we are doing the speaking, but I was not taking the time to let him speak back. The verse I choose to go along with this is John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
The Lord is my shepherd, He promises to guide, protect, and care for me. He wants more for me than I can even imagine, I just need to listen. Taking the steps necessary to move toward the goal of listening more to Him has not been easy. However, like any word I have chosen in the past, being intentional and consistent always brings me closer to Him.
Application
Who is God calling you to be in 2024? Where does He want your focus for this year?
I challenge you to seek God for one specific word that will define and direct your year to come. The process is simple – Look In, Look Up, and Look Out
Look In
Find solitude and silence in order to hear from God. As we let God examine our heart, he will give you clarity. Remember, we do not actually choose this word, but rather God reveals it to us.
What is God saying to you about this past year? What changes can be made to glorify Him?
Look Up
Plug in and listen to God.
What do you want to do through me this year?
Look Out
Once you have discovered your word, it is time to live it out.
Your word will have impact on all aspects of your life: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, relational, and even financial. Tell others about your word. Study what the word means. Find a theme verse for your word. Write it everywhere you go.
Guided Prayer
Dear Lord, I ask that you reveal yourself to me as You show me what my One Word will be. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I realize that it is a journey of learning not a task to accomplish. Strengthen me as I live out my One Word every day and keep me focused on living it and prevent the distractions. In Jesus’ name, amen.