March 28, 2024

My One Word ~ Joyful

I just love this concept of having ‘a word’ as a spiritual discipline. (I’m sure you have stumbled across this idea…recently the blogging world has been crazy busy writing about it!) Somehow…ok, God’s grace, of course…I was introduced to this idea three years ago. A bit ahead of the crowd which is sort of typical for me. You see, I don’t do trendy things, I surely dance to the beat of a different drum. But I am perfectly settled with that…it is who I am and who I imagine I will always be.

Here’s how it works:  the plan is to pray and, following God’s lead, choose ‘one word’ that will be your focus for the next year. In working through this concept it seems to be so simple and, yet, so vast in its application. I have found that my eyes and ears (and spirit!) are aware and attentive to ‘hearing’ my word whether in the Scriptures, or in study of other books, or in listening to a sermon or teaching, etc. But isn’t that just the way that the Holy Spirit leads, and guides, and teaches us? It is the still, small voice that we hear. It is His gentle leading that always bring us to ‘see’ a revelation. Haven’t you found this true?

Each of my words has always been in relation to Almighty God. My ‘one word’ in 2013 has been TRUST, in 2012 it was PEACE, and in 2011 my word was REFUGE. And these are the verses that I began with and stood upon:

TRUST
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.
In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?
Psalms 56:3 and 4

PEACE
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything,
but in every circumstance and in everything,
by prayer and petition (definite requests),
with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul
assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God
and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace]
which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard
over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6 and 7

REFUGE
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,
and spread Your protection over them, and that those who love Your Name may exult in you.
Psalm 5:11

I can honestly tell you that drawing closer in my relationship with God in light of each of those words has changed my heart. No doubt about it; absolutely! And so I joyfully anticipate ALL that God is going to do in me in 2014 as I focus on one word—JOYFUL.

You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11

So, what do you think…is this something you might consider doing? If you have already been praying and asking God to lead you in selecting your ‘one word,’ I would love to hear about it! And, if not, pray! Seek God’s guidance and direction! He surely knows what your heart needs. He absolutely knows what will come along your path in the next year. And, most importantly, He loves you so very much and wants to guide you along the right path for you!

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
Lamentations 3:25

I am praying for you, too! If you would like, I would love to pray with you…send me a FaceBook message!

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{ For those of you who love to read, Pastor Mike Ashcraft wrote this marvelous book My One Word: Change Your Life with Just One Word sharing the journey that he took along with the congregation of the church he shepherds. It’s a great book and in it he shares much more of the heart behind the discipline of ‘one word.’ }

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About coleen hayden

Coleen Hayden – Director of Women's Ministry - Prayer Ministry Leader - Blog Contributor
Coleen and her husband Robert have been married for 19 years and currently live in the Capital District area of New York State. They have one beautiful daughter, Kassia, who is married to Matt, and 4 delightful grandchildren Elijah, Kaylie Joy, Levi, and Rebekah. She enjoys sewing, cooking, and playing the piano.

Comments

  1. Chelle Renee says

    Wow, I feel God woke me up just so I could read this. I have been praying about my “one word” trust kept coming to mind. God, used this and other areas as confirmation. I am blessed <3

  2. Thank you, Coleen, for this thought provoking blog. As I think over 2013, I find several “one” words that impacted me at different times, and made a difference in my life. I need to take more time and prayer to see what one word God has for me to focus on in 2014. Whatever it is, I know it will be good! 🙂

    • oh, no doubt it will be good, clella! God definitely leads us along through different seasons as we remain on the path He has for us…i could see how you might have several ‘words!’ enjoy His revelation to you! <3

  3. My one word this year is “FOCUS”. Although 2013 had many wonderful blessings, I was a bit scattered and found it often hard to stay focused. Planning on 2014 focused on my relationships starting with the most important relationship, the one I have with God. Thank you Coleen and all the GCH ladies for your faithful to this wonderful ministry.

  4. Beverly Mccormick says

    I have been praying and God opened my eyes largely today to my word….and get this my word is “words”. I need to be totally aware of what comes from these lips and that I use them to honor Him, to encourage others, to speak truth and so much more. Psalms 141:3 set a guard O Lord over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips. Yes Lord keep this as a reminder everyday. Thanks for speaking this to me today!

  5. My word is “discipline”. I seem to be quite disciplined in the small unimportant things of life. I fold my WalMart bags into tiny neat squares. My silverware drawer is always perfectly aligned. But who cares? Am I disciplined as I should be in my daily Bible Study and Prayer life? Not so much!