A few years ago, I came across a blog post of someone talking about their word for the year… and I chuckled.

“That sounds trivial,” I smirked.

I went about my day and determined not to be one of those people jumping in on the “popularity train.”

But oddly enough, I sensed God whispering to me over the next several weeks. Something that sounded like… “It’s only trivial if you make it about you, not Me.”

I pondered this thought.

I realized my repulsion to choosing a word for the year was because it always seemed to be so self-focused—even if they were chosen with good, positive intentions. I just didn’t see a deeper value or reasoning about it until…

Lord, is there a word for the year that YOU would like me to hone in on? What is it?

Adding this key element to choosing a word for the year—Jesus—has made ALL the difference in how this word has motivated me, challenged me, and inspired me in positive ways.

What if the word you choose isn’t just another inspirational word, but a word with actual Power behind it?

What if the word you choose was really given to you by the Creator Himself?

What if we actually started to believe that God can and will speak through us through the Holy Spirit within us and then empower us to do more than we imagined?

You’re probably thinking, “Okay, that sounds great and all Rachel, but how do I do this?”

It’s simple. Get still with Jesus and be open to receiving His direction.

Two years ago, the word God gave me was “Becoming.” God made it clear this was my Word in various ways to the point I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s amazing looking back and seeing how relevant this word was in my life.

Last year, my word was “Release.” While this sounded relevant in some ways (like the release of my book), I also hadn’t anticipated the other meanings that would come with this word (like releasing my control over everything).

This year, I sat in prayer with Jesus. And oddly enough, this year’s “word for the year” came rather quickly. It hit the front of my mind like a neon sign and hasn’t gone away. Not only that, but a passage of Scripture connected with this word has been etched in my brain, like God is making sure I won’t forget it.

What is this word you may ask? Let me share with you the related passage first:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Main thing God has been hinting to me: FOCUS.

When I have the right focus, everything else falls into place. When I focus on God, I have nothing to fear and can trust I’m on the right path.

I’m able to “throw off everything that hinders” me.

I’m able to “run with perseverance.”

I’m able to do the things God invites me to do with Him because I’m “fixing [my] eyes on Jesus.”

In a world where there are bombarding distractions and unending opportunities begging for our attention, we must fix our eyes on Him so we can run the race He has marked out for us.

So, sit at His feet for a moment today. Turn your thoughts to Him as you ask the question, “What’s my word for the year, Lord?” Trust that He will answer you as you submit this request to Him.

So… what’s your “Word for the Year?”