Word for 2018?

Words. Amazing things.  One word alone can alter your day, your moment.  At the rollover of each new year, I begin asking the Lord for a word.  One word that may describe His emphasis on me, perhaps His finger that points in a new direction or most assuredly a word to study. In the past, I have been given words like regardless and last year, believe.

As I sat quietly with bible in hand, I was taken to Psalm 119, a beautiful piece of poetry, yet full of divine direction. As I read I stopped short at verse 30, meaning there were 146 more verses to go, but here is where I stopped, here is where God points.  It is known to scholars that King David wrote these words, it is from his dipped quill, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set Your rules before me.” Perhaps not for you, but for me, these words dance, yet one curiously stands boldly among the rest. “I have set Your rules before me.”

Quickly turning to other resources, it all exploded with imagery. I was taken to another of David’s writings, “I have set the LORD always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8 NIV)  Set.  The word is shavah, (in the Hebrew) its meaning is to level, to equalize; figuratively it is to resemble; by implication, to adjust.  The picture it paints is placing God, and God’s word in front of me, like a permanent placemat at the table, with the goal to be found resembling Him and His word, does what I say and do measure ‘level’ with Him?   I can see from here, the bulk of my 2018 will indeed be ‘to adjust.’  This word is challenging and comforting at the same time.   I look forward to coming to the table, having it pre-determined and purposely set and ready.  I have set You and Your word before me. (Go God!)

Perhaps you too would ask God for a word. In doing so, Holy Spirit whisper that word to us continually over the course of 2018.  May we look for it, for YOU with anticipation and expectation.  We invite You Holy Spirit, come with grace and power enabling us to respond in devotional active obedience!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)