Word for the Year

Well it's a new year. Almost a month into the new year to be exact. 

It seems that this first month has flown by, and yet much has happend in my life and heart.

At the close of every year I always feel so grateful and yet so undeserving of what the Lord has given to me. This year was no different.

As the New Year commenced, I enjoyed reading everyone's Word for the Year and have spent some time thinking about what my word for the year is going to be. In fact, I have spent so much time it is already 25 days into the new year. Better late than never, I guess ;-)

My word for the year is TRUTH.

Yes, truth.

I picked truth or rather I should say it picked me for a several reasons:

As I read other people's W.F.T.Y. I felt inspired to pick my own. I had never done this before and thought it was so neat to have a word to focus on for a year. I wanted to pick words like grace, joy, or even thankful. But none of those words seemed to fit. I even tried to be original and pick a word in another language.

But nothing seemed right. So I moved on, thinking maybe next year I will pick a word.

Today as I was doing dishes, my mind wondered back to picking a word and truth popped in my head. It sounds strange, and at first I dismissed it, but then as my children napped I decided to think more on the word truth.

Truth in the dictionary says "the true or actual state of matter". If you wikipedia (and yes I did) the word truth, it says that truth has a variety of meanings, such as the state of being in accord with fact or reality. It can also mean having fidelity to an original or to a standard or ideal. In a common usage, it also means constancy or sincerity in action or character. In the old testament, the root of the Hebrew word  for truth is 'aman', with faith or faithfulness being common translations. In the new testament, the Greek word for truth is alethia, meaning 'not hidden'.Truth is the real state of affairs. Truth is the real picture of God, man and the world.

Wow, that's weighty.

So I decided to look at scriptures with the word truth. These were just a few of my favorites.... 

"and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

"because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever" 2 John 1:2

"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." Psalm 25:5

"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens."Exodus 18:21

"love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." 1 Corinthians 13:6

"therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another" Ephesians 4:25

I began to see something beautiful. In reflecting on last year and anticipating all that will be this year, I found the word truth to be perfect for me. You see truth is having a right picture of God. Truth is having a right picture of myself. Truth is having a right understanding of the world around me. Truth is not hiding from God, but living in the light of his word. Truth is faithfulness. Truth is authentic, real, and constant in character. Truth will set me free (John 8:32).

 

This past year has been a big year for me and my family. There has been change, growth, joy, challenges, triumph, and yes, even disapintment. Through it all, we have found the Lord to remain the same. He is faithful. He is good. He loves us despite all of our shortcomings. And he has covered us with his grace and mercy.

I can't help but look introspectively into my life at the end of every year and the beginning of a new one. I have learned that it is pure joy to watch my children grow. I have learned that it is also challenging to discipline them and stay constant in contending for the gospel in their hard hearts. I have learned that walking with a close group of women is essential for me to grow in my walk and to challenge me. God has brought some UH-Mazing women to walk with and I am eternally grateful. I have learned that forgiveness is hard, costly, and sometimes the only way to move on. That loving and showing grace to people who hurt you is only possible when sitting under the fountain of the grace given to us from our Father. I have learned that stepping out in faith is possible when you look back and see the consistency of His faithfulness throughout your life. I have learned that God moves regardless of the capabilities of the person he is working through. I have learned that I was created by God, for God, and my joy and triumph is found only in Him and for his glory.
 

This year as I grow in my sanctification, as I parent my children, as I love my husband, as I walk in community with those around me, I want to dwell on truth. I don't want to be discouraged by the lies this world tells me. I don't want to find my identity and hope in that which the world finds it. I don't want to be misled by the untrue thoughts of my sinful, wondering heart and the emotions that can flow from it. I want to think and define my perspective on life based on truth.

 

"finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phillipians 4:8