As the New Year begins, many of us reflect on the past year and look forward to the opportunities, challenges, and growth that await us in the year ahead.
One of the most powerful practices I have incorporated into my faith journey the past few years is choosing a “Word of the Year”. You choose a word that speaks to your heart and helps guide you through the months ahead.
(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)
This practice is not simply about self-improvement for the sake of achievement, but about focusing on how you can grow in your relationship with God, align with His will, and live out your faith more deeply.
As Christian women, we are called to embrace God’s Word in every area of our lives, and choosing a word to reflect on can be a beautiful way to invite Him into our daily moments. Whether you want to deepen your faith, serve others, or find peace amid challenges, a Word of the Year can serve as a reminder of God’s promises and guide you toward a closer walk with Him.
In the past I have chosen words like Thrive, Here are some posts I wrote to encourage you on these themes:
- We Were Made to Thrive
- Selecting a Word of the Year to Guide Your Goals
- Deep Rooted Goals Build Habits That Last
Here are a few steps to help you choose your Word of the Year:
1. Pray for Guidance
Before choosing your word, take time to pray and seek God’s direction. Ask Him to reveal the word He wants you to focus on in the coming year. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you and bring clarity to your heart. Remember, this is not about what you think you need, but about what God wants to shape in you.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” — James 1:5
2. Consider What God is Teaching You
Think about the areas of your life where God has been speaking to you. Is there a particular theme or message that has been showing up in your prayers, your Bible study, or your everyday life? Maybe you’re being called to have more courage, to rest in His peace, or to grow in your faith.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
3. Seek Inspiration from Scripture
God’s Word is full of inspiration, and He will often highlight certain words that resonate with you in specific seasons of life. Spend some time in the Bible, meditating on verses that speak to your current circumstances or desires. You might find a word in Scripture that seems to leap off the page and feel like it’s meant for you.
Here are some words that may inspire you for the year ahead:
Faithful
Choosing “faithful” could remind you to stay steadfast in your walk with Christ, no matter the season. You can reflect on God’s faithfulness to you and seek to be faithful in your relationships, commitments, and daily life.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23
Abide
“Abide” speaks to a deep, constant connection with Christ, staying close to Him in every circumstance. This word invites you to rest in His presence, trusting that He is with you through all things.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” — John 15:4
Courage
Sometimes, the year ahead may require bravery in facing challenges or stepping into new opportunities. Choosing “courage” could empower you to step out in faith, trusting God to equip you for whatever lies ahead.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
Joy
“Joy” is not dependent on circumstances but on God’s goodness and presence. Choosing this word can help you cultivate a spirit of gratitude and rejoice in all things, even in difficult moments.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10
Peace
In a world that often feels chaotic, peace is a beautiful word to center your heart on. Allow God’s peace to rule in your heart, even amidst life’s uncertainties and challenges.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27
Gratitude
Choosing “gratitude” helps focus your heart on thankfulness in every season of life. This word encourages you to see God’s blessings, both big and small, and to respond with a heart of thankfulness.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
Serve
“Serve” could be the word that calls you to put others first, whether it’s serving your family, church, or community. This word reminds us of Christ’s example of servant leadership and encourages you to live a life that reflects His love.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” — Matthew 23:11
4. Apply Your Word to Your Daily Life
Once you’ve chosen your word, consider how you can intentionally apply it in your daily life. Write it down in your journal, hang it on your wall, or make it the theme of your Bible study or prayer time. Each month, reflect on how God has worked in your life in relation to that word, and make adjustments as needed.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” — Colossians 3:23
5. Reflect on Your Word at the End of the Year
At the end of the year, take time to look back on how God has used this word to shape and grow you. How have you seen His faithfulness in your life? How has this word influenced your relationships, your work, and your spiritual growth?
6. Let Your Word Guide You Closer to God
Choosing a Word of the Year isn’t just a practice for self-improvement—it’s a way to invite God into every area of your life and to be intentional about living in alignment with His will. As a Christian woman, your Word of the Year can help keep you focused on His promises, guide your steps, and deepen your faith in powerful ways.
So, as you enter this new year, pray, listen to God’s voice, and choose a word that will draw you closer to Him. With Him as your guide, 2025 can be a year of incredible growth, joy, and spiritual transformation.
Happy New Year, and may God bless you abundantly in the year ahead!
FOLLOW ALONG
Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ YouTube ~ Tik Tok ~ Liketoknow.it ~ Podcast
YOU CAN JOIN ONE OF MY FREE FACEBOOK GROUPS:
Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.
Join my Call Me Old Fashioned Group over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.
Join my Fun Finds + Fabulous Deals Group over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.
LOOKING FOR CONNECTION?
Join one of the clubs at my shop located in our Paddle Club.
We have game nights, book clubs, cookbook clubs, craft clubs, workshops and events.
You can see what’s coming up next and sign up HERE.
Leave a Reply