Do you have a word of the year?
Unlike in the past, I’ve struggled to condense all of my feelings and desires about this coming year into a single word. Until I came across this verse which seemed to sum it all up so perfectly.
“I’m bruised and broken, overwhelmed by it all; breathe life into me again by your living word.”
Psalm 119:107, TPT
Events that have unfolded over the past few years have been hard and heavy, and I’ve struggled with the weight of it all. The worry and fear, the confusion and uncertainty, the division and hostility—not to mention the general relentlessness that comes with managing quarantines and testing, attempting to make informed decisions, and trying to maintain family and work life in the midst of it all.Although compared to many others, my suffering has been slight; there’s no doubt that surviving the onslaught of 2020/21 has taken a toll on my mental and physical health.
The truth is, I’ve been in ‘survival’ mode for so long trying to keep on top of all-of-the-hard-and-heavy things that I need a wake up call. I need life breathed into me by the Living Word.
This year I don’t want to just ‘get by’. To limp through another 365 days waiting for better days ahead. No, I want to experience this abundant, extravagant life ‘right now’. In THIS season. And so this is my prayer for the year. An acknowledgment of the brokenness that has come before and a desire to walk into this new year in the fullness of life that only comes from a deeper knowledge and experience of God and His Word.
Lord, I pray that You would breathe new life into this battered, broken shell. Fill me with more of You—and as Your Word saturates my soul, I pray your extravagant love, grace, mercy, and joy would spill out of me like an overflowing cup to the desperately thirsty all around me. Amen.
I hope you will follow along with me this year as I dive deeper into the Living Word and the abundant life He has promised each one of us. As I become more consistent and intentional about my prayer life, my Bible Study, and my relationships—all of which have been neglected in various ways these past few years. As I more carefully steward the body and mind He has blessed me with by making my mental and physical health a top priority. As I ask hard questions about my purpose and calling in this often challenging season. And as I release the tension of everything I have been clenching so tightly, surrendering it all to Him.
And finally breathe.
How are you starting this new year with intention? Share with me in the comments!