The Word for 2022
It’s that time of the year again; the time when you are being asked to choose your word for the year. The choice of your word is indicative of your goals, aspirations, and perhaps challenges for the upcoming year. I always struggled to land on one word. Life is so complex and multi-faceted that I find it hard to believe that one word would capture all that I have in my mind to do, accomplish or involve myself in.
That is why I love the verses in Psalm 119:97-104 and especially verse 103 which says; How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
I know that I cannot depend on one word, I know that I can depend on The Word. I know that I have access to many words from God to reflect on during the year.
Those words are there to meditate on when I am anxious and in need of peace and serenity (v. 97)
They help me grow in wisdom and allow me to understand myself and others better (v.98–100).
It helps me make better choices and avoid choices that would bring pain to myself and others (v.101).
For me, it’s not as simple as just focusing on one word, but it is more comprehensive because it addresses the complexity of life and the provision of a God who understands this.
For those who can choose just one word and that does it for them, awesome, for those like me, let me suggest that you choose The Word and choose this year to meditate on what it says in The Bible.
This would be a great time to start a serious study of The Bible and challenge yourself to understand what it says. We get caught up in hearing what others are saying about the Bible, but wouldn’t it be great to learn for yourself. If you are up to that challenge let me share some easy and free resources that can make this easier, regardless of your belief system.
YouVersion bible app is great if you want to read the Bible in several versions. Biblehub.com is also great for studying if you want historical information, maps, and translations of ancient languages.
If you are interested in discussing the bible, not arguing it, you may want to join a bible study in a local church of your choice. I know that there are cults who prey on people with a promise of teaching you what the Bible says, but you are responsible to think for yourself and read beyond what is being told to you. Today there are too many resources that are available that falling for a lie is not easy unless you are just being lazy and just want to be told what to believe.
God’s Word can stand up to scrutiny, so go ahead and scrutinize, but study with an honest heart so that when the truth is in front of you you will be able to recognize it.
One of my favorite videos about how someone can be fooled if they are not truly interested in the truth is this one . It is a cautionary tale with a happy ending.
In summary, find your word and or find the Word. It’s your choice. Regardless of what you choose, my prayer for you is that this coming year is one of growth and discovery for you.