For the past three years, I’ve kept a focus word for the year. While many use focus words in a variety of applications, mine has primarily been a source of encouragement and sense of direction in my walk with Christ. Last year, my word was focus. It stemmed from the story of Peter walking on water with Christ, and falling into the water when he lost focus of Christ. I, too, can say that there are times in my life that I look down to see other things around me, only to lose my focus and drown in my situation. Last year was a time of a lot of lost focus, but somehow, through grace and mercy, I was kept afloat through Christ in the end.
This year, I realized that I needed to get back to the basics. So as I prayed for my word, God told me to back up from trying to play a Christian balance act and seek. Seek His face, seek His wisdom, seek His direction….or just Simply Seek Him. Last year, when I went through unfocused times, I started to focus on my inadequacies. I would beat myself up for things and refuse to forgive myself, even after God had already forgave me and was waiting for me to return to His open arms. I would focus on my un-focus and that in itself would distract me from drawing near to God. This year, my goal is through every word of the Bible, every prayer that I pray, every quiet moment that I draw near to God and seek to learn something about Him, hear His voice and grow closer to Him.
Oddly enough, the verse I feel drawn to this year doesn’t actually have the word seek in it, but very much reflects the premise.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. -James 4:8a
So that’s it for this year. Seek could also be used for my business ventures. As I look to find others that might need my expertise to make 2016 their best year yet. Such a simple, yet versatile word. I can’t wait!
What is your word for 2016? Drop your word or posts about it in the comments below!
