This year, 2017, will mark the sixth year that I have been doing the OneWord Challenge.
Considering this will also be my sixth year of blogging for Jesus here at 7 Days Time, you can imagine I have a variety of posts on the subject.
But, in case you are new to this faith-based party, let me catch you up…
The concept of the OneWord experience is relatively simple: I take some time to pray and sit with the Lord (sometimes over a period of a couple of weeks) and ask Him what OneWord He wants me to focus on in the coming year.
Then, when I have my Word, I try to live it out for the next 365 days.
THAT’S where things can get a little sticky. Because we all know that walking with Him is one unpredictable journey.
It’s important to realize that the OneWord challenge is not about perfection, but about progress. What does that “Word” for me as a Christ-follower? How can I root myself on that Word in His Truth as a hinge or pivot point?
What does it mean or look like in moments of joy? Stress? Uncertainty? Exhaustion? When new opportunities are presented? In seasons of unrest or conflict?
Yeah, you get the picture.
So my OneWord for 2017 is PEACE.
Some of you might be like, “What an awesome Word, Sharita! Your year shall be full of peaceful meadows and quiet waters!”
Um, I wish… But I kind of doubt it.
What will peace look like for me in my everyday of figurative mountain climbing, valleys and roaring white waters?
I am not naturally a “peaceful” person. If someone were asked to describe me, I don’t think “Peaceful” would make the top 43 adjectives. Fiesty, passionate, determined, disciplined, creative maybe… Peaceful? Not so much.
But that is one reason why this OneWord challenge is so good for my spiritual growth and journey. It’s challenging. And usually unattainable without Jesus leading the way. (Funny how that works out.)
For me, one of the coolest things I have noticed is how my Words year after year sort of build on each other.
Take a look:
2012= Trust
2013= Stand
2014= Grow
2015= Rest
2016 = Truth
2017 = Peace
Trust was foundational. Then I needed to learn to stand firm in trusting God. Next was growing then a year of rest. Last year was all about learning God’s truth and now… Peace.
I am excited to see how this all shakes down this year.
Friends, do you choose a OneWord for your yearly journey? If so, I would love to hear it. Join the conversation and leave a comment below.
I wish I could give you a play-by-play of how/what PEACE is going to look like to me this year… But, as with most things Jesus, it is currently a mystery. All I can say is am I am looking forward to the ways in which He will shape, stretch and challenge me.
Finding Peace in Him,
“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.”
~Isaiah 26:3
