One of my favorite practices during the week between Christmas and New Year is to pull out my journals, notebooks, and calendar from the past year — and look back. I take time to remember all the big milestones and small joys, all the heartaches and blessings I never saw coming. I read through written prayers and recall the ways God answered them or the places where I’m still waiting to see His faithfulness on display.

Looking back, actively remembering, and intentionally praising God primes my heart to receive any direction He wants to provide for the year ahead.

And yes, I’m a big fan of direction! (Please don’t make me guess, Lord!) Thankfully, God’s Word is full of His promises to lead, guide, and direct us!

Here are just a few examples:

“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8 NLT

Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go.”
Isaiah 30:21 NLT

“ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”
John 16:13 NLT

One way God has consistently guided me is through a Word of the Year. After I reflect on the twelve months behind me, I ask God what He wants me to know about the twelve months ahead. I ask God other questions like:

• What do You want me to focus on this year?
• What promise do You want me to cling to?
• How do you want to grow me to become more like You, Jesus?
• Where are you working, Lord, and how can I partner with You?
• Is there a specific word or phrase that You want to use to guide my year?

Then I listen. Wait. Be still. Breathe. And record whatever the Holy Spirit brings to my mind. And I can tell you, friends, year after year, God has been so faithful to speak! I’ve received words like continue, delight, rest, strength, and expectancy. I could fill a whole book with the ways these words have marked my heart and ordered my steps.

And I’m not special! I don’t have unique access to God. His throne of grace is open to ALL of His children (Hebrews 4:16). Anyone who needs wisdom can ask God and He will give it! (James 1:5). Jesus said to keep on asking! (Matthew 7:7-8).

You, dear one, can seek God and receive all that He has for you today and for the year ahead. 

And if you need a little help, keep reading to see how our friends at DaySpring have put together a resource to discover a Word of the Year that will be meaningful to you today and for the next twelve months!

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

I’m praising God for His faithfulness yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And I’m praising God for YOU!

Here’s to looking back, looking forward, and receiving ALL that the good Lord has for us.

Becky Keife
(in)courage Community & Editorial Manager

As we softly step into 2025 and begin a new year, many of us are excited to make resolutions, set goals, and create positive changes in our lives. As believers, the new year also means continuing to grow and deepen our faith and live it out with intentionality – for this, choosing a word of the year can be a powerful tool.

What does it mean to choose a Word of the Year?  

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