Discovering Your Word of the Year for 2025

Discovering Your Word of the Year for 2025

As believers, we often start a new year with resolutions or goals but neglect to intentionally seek God for a word of the year—a word that can serve as a spiritual anchor and guide us through the seasons ahead. Without it, we may miss the opportunity to align our focus with God’s purpose for the year.

Examples might include:

• Faithful: A reminder to trust God in all circumstances.

• Surrender: A call to release control and align with His will.

• Increase: A season of growth in wisdom, influence, or stewardship.

God has always been faithful to give me a word of the year, and I’ve seen how it shapes my journey. In 2024, my word was courage. I didn’t fully understand why God gave me that word at first, but as the year unfolded, I was challenged to step out in faith and accomplish something I had never done before: creating the Virtuous Living Planner by Lisa Michele. The process wasn’t easy. I faced obstacles that could have made me quit, but I leaned into my word—courage—and found strength in God’s promises. Each time I felt overwhelmed, my word reminded me that God had equipped me to do what He called me to do.

What is the Word of the Year?

The word of the year is a single word or phrase that God impresses on your heart to guide and inspire you throughout the year. It can represent a lesson to learn, a character trait to develop, or a reminder of God’s promises. It serves as a spiritual focus, providing clarity and direction as you navigate your year.

How to Seek God for Your Word of the Year:

1. Pray and Ask: Set aside quiet time to seek God. Ask Him to reveal a word that aligns with His purpose for you this year.

2. Reflect: Consider what God has been teaching you recently or areas where you sense He is stretching you.

3. Listen and Confirm: Be attentive to recurring themes in your prayers, Bible reading, or conversations. God often confirms His word in multiple ways.

Define Your Word’s Meaning:

Once you receive your word, dive deeper into its meaning. Look up definitions, synonyms, or related Bible verses. For example, for courage, I meditated on verses like Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Practical Ways to Incorporate Your Word:

• Write your word on the Word of the Year page of your planner.

• Utilize the Daily Prayer page and ask God to help you live it out.

• Look for opportunities to apply your word in your daily life and use the Daily Journaling page to document your experiences.

• Use your word to guide your decisions and goals.

Why Your Word Matters:

Your word of the year is more than a motivational tool; it’s a spiritual anchor that helps you stay connected to God’s will. It's a calling to grow deeper in faith and obedience. It can serve as a source of encouragement, direction, and strength in both triumphs and challenges.

Your Turn:

Have you sought God for your word of the year? If not, take some time to pray and listen. Once you receive it, I’d love to hear it! Share your word of the year in the comments below and let’s encourage one another as we step into the year with purpose.

What’s your word of the year?

 

Your Sister in Christ,

 

 

Lisa Michele

Creator, Virtuous Living Planner

www.virtuouslivingplanner.com