What’s Your Word for 2018?

Maybe your church, like mine, encourages you each year to choose a word. One word that gives your year direction, becomes a prayer or even defines the person you want to become.

I woke up this morning, with my word on my mind.

Really it’s two words, but that’s ok, right?

My words are: difference maker.

That’s what I want to be in 2018.

A difference maker.

One of the meanings for difference is: a significant change in or effect on a situation. That’s what I want to do. I want my life to bring significant change in the lives of others; to share with them what the Lord has so far taught me. I want to help others take the steps that they’ve wanted to take, but fear has held them back. 

Or their economic status has created a barrier.

Or perspectives of those around them have pushed them down.

A difference maker. A hope bringer. A people lifter.

I hope to be a difference maker in your life; coming alongside you as you make your move … no matter how scared you may feel or what failures are part of your story.

Friend, what’s your word for 2018?

Take some time today to ask the Lord: what word represents what You want to do in me and through me in 2018?

Would you come back here and share? Even if it’s a couple days, weeks or even months from now, come back and share. When you do, it will be my honor to pray for you as you make your move in 2018.

Lynn

58 Comments

  1. Christine says:

    This will be my 6th year of having a “word.” It has been great to see how my life has changed since doing this. My word this year is expectancy. This past year has been a season of major change. I feel this sense of expectancy in the air of what God is going to do in this new year because of what he prepared me for last year.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Christine, I feel excitement just reading Your word. Expectancy is faith in action!

  2. Lori Jorgensen says:

    My word is Restoration

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Restoration, Lord. In each area of Lori’s life, bring the restoration that only Your healing hand can bring. We ask for miracles in her life, Jesus. Thank you that You said that we can ask anything in Your name and You hear us! Amen

      1. I have never done this before but I have heard of it. I am asking the Lord to please give me a word this coming year. I see it as another way to grow closer to the Lord in my walk & I love that. Thank you. And to Michelle who was worried about her post. Thank you for your post. I love what you said about how we can be fearless on our own. I had not thought of it that way before but you are correct. It takes our own bravery to be fearless. I love seeing that. I have MS & am a true hunch back much like the bent woman Jesus healed so this point is important to me. I can hardly wait to get my word. I will let you know when I get it. Thank you for doing this. It is wonderful.

        1. My husband has progressive MS. He’s in a wheelchair and needs lots of care. Taken multiple MS medicines and two types of chemo. I’ve never had a word either. But I’m praying that God would give me one for this year too! So while I’m praying for God to give me a word I will pray for you as well.

          1. Lynn Cowell says:

            I’ll pray for you now, Karen!

            Lord, only You completely understand the trials of Karen’s life and only You can supply her with the power, strength and joy she needs for each day. Today, Lord, give her exactly what she needs – that touch from You that says, “I see You. You bless me. I am so very proud of you, Karen!” Amen

  3. My word for 2018 is Trust. I have two verses to go with it: Proverbs 3:5-6 and Colossians 2:6-7. I received it a few weeks ago just before Thanksgiving. I love receiving that word from God. This year’s word was Unafraid. Not Fearless, because we can be Fearless for a bit on our own, we can muster up a bit of fearless to carry us through a few things, but it is exhausting and does not last. Unafraid is not done on my own, but with His perfect love as my anchor and guide. He goes before me and behind me, and even though the situation has a connotation of fear in it, I am Unafraid because He’s already been there and made a way for me to go safely.

    1. And now I feel stupid for having shared my words. Please erase both of my comments. Thank you.

      1. Christine says:

        Why do you feel stupid? I think it was a wonderful post. It certainly spoke to me and I’m sure it will others. Don’t let the enemy create doubt in your mind! God intended for you to share this regardless of how you may feel now.

        1. Thank you for the encouragement. It has been a hard season.

          1. Loved your word for the upcoming year…TRUST and then this years word…UNAFRAID! To me that is a huge step from this year to the next with those two opposites! I see it as a step more toward HIS faithfulness! Blessings Michelle!

          2. My word is the same as some else’s in this post. Transformation I was going to use change, but I love the idea or transformation. I want to transform into what God has for me this year.

      2. I have had a word for the last couple of years. This year I get “Revelation” but “Unafraid” feels more like me. I have had Fibromyalgia and lower back pain since 1999 but busy in church. In 2014 I’ve been at home and have PTSD, Anxiety and Bipolar diagnosed as of 2015 but explains growing up and as an adult I’ll be 60 next year. So loud noise, our church craned the volume in worship 2012 for our University town kids and this goes down my spine with pain. My husband had Colon Cancer March 2002 and also has smoldering Multiple Myeloma we’ve been watching since 2002 and the longer you wait it will move I keep praying for his healing, I stay at home as bringing germs home can compermis his immune system. So I’m praying for more of His guidance as I’ve been stuck this year and unable to get into my Bible and studying His Word.

  4. My word for 2018 is Peace-a ceasing of relational strife and a further building of a solid God centered life that helps me reach out to the community and find out what God has in store for me in this third chapter of my life. I feel like He has shown me a ton of healing and victory in my life but the struggle has been exhausting. I ,too, am ready for Proverbs 3:5-6 and want the peace and love I feel to be extended to whatever and whoever God would have me shower with the gifts he has given me.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Jesus, I know that You want peace for Beverly. I pray that this peace that You will bring will also be a season of refreshment and recharge. Thank you for all You have done in her life of healing and victory. Amen

  5. My word is peaceful, 1 Timothy 2:2 Pray this way for Kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and diginity.
    As read this I found that chapter 2 was what I have been reading about in the book written by Susan Hunt – By Design. So I also select 1 Timothy 2 as my scriptures for 2018.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Marie – I love having a scripture to go with your word. I am going to look for one too!

      Jesus, be the peace in Marie’s life and empower her to be a peace-maker in her world. Amen

  6. I recently did a Virtual Retreat (Christian Business) & came out with this composite of words: Act! Love! Faith!
    When I woke up this morning God was already propelling me towards a new mission — capturing stories (especially from elderly, DV victims) & then christian testimonies. I am so pumped!!!

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      They all go together, don’t they!
      Holy Spirit, empower us to activate the faith You give us and then to act on that faith and love like You love. Amen

  7. My word for 2018 is Love. I pray for God to show me how to love and to show love, with gratitude.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      A beautiful word, Mary! Jesus, You are the source of unconditional love toward us and in us. We need your help to love the way You love. To be unselfish and put others before ourself is so hard, Lord. We need You! Amen

  8. Consistent is my word for 2018. In all things . . . quiet time, prayer, forgiveness, love, follow thru . . .

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Robbyn, as I was having some quiet time this morning and thinking about the goals I have for 2018, that was one of them. All too often, my time with the Lord is interrupted by texts or I allow it to be interrupted because I think of something I want to share … and next thing you know, I am distracted.

      Father, You want Robbyn and I to both be consistent. You empower us by Your Holy Spirit; help us to take the steps we need to take on our part. Amen

    2. I love this word. Consistent is one thing I really struggle with. I need to be consistent in praying for my husband and kids. I need to be consistent in reading my bible, quite time, and everything. But I think most I need to be consistent in being a example to my unsaved friends and family.
      Thanks for sharing I think your comment helped me find my word.

      1. Lynn Cowell says:

        Consistent is powerful!

        I, too, have that on my list for 2018. I have my time with the Lord after my husband leaves for work, but often, that is when I start getting texts or calls. Today, in fact, I got up an hour before he did in order to start a new pattern. Lord help us!

  9. My word is 2 words also…. USE ME!! I have recently left my career in special education and have been wondering how God will use me now that I’m not working or going out in the community as much. I have felt useless so much, I just want Jesus to use me in some way that makes a difference for others.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Jesus, The world is full of those who need Your love and to see You. Show Tammy her next steps to show the world Your love. When You show her the opportunity, help her to be brave and go forward. Amen

  10. Sherna Swanepoel says:

    I also have two word as it has been a rough year 2017 therefore my word is BE STRONG!
    God makes us strong but we forget and start to fret therefore I ask God to keep me strong through all obstacles we my cross next year.

  11. my word came up as COURAGE!!!!! I went to She Speaks this past summer and God has given me a topic to explore and write about, I have done much research, listing scripture to use, finally found a person from the Bible who might fit my story and now I need the courage to start.
    plus, there are other areas of my life where I am going to need lots of courage to follow through and do as God requires of me.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Hi Shirley – I hope you had an opportunity to come to my pre-conference session called “Being Brave Enough to Keep Going”. Being a writer takes a lot of courage as it often comes with rejection and the need to keep going in the face of discouragement. God is with you, friend!

      Lord, I pray that you will build in Shirley courage each and every day. May she take small steps over and over again and one day find that she has come a long, long way! Amen

      1. I was at Be Brave. Your session totally was just what my heart needed.

        1. Lynn Cowell says:

          I am so very glad God used it in your life, Karen! It makes me happy to know that He has used the hard things I have gone through to encourage others to be brave enough to keep going!

    1. Christine says:

      That is my word this year (2017). Hebrews 12: 1-2 is my scripture, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”

  12. My words: No fear
    I need this to face the year with confidence and courage

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Thank you for sharing, Lisa! I hope Make Your Move will be part of your process of finding confidence in Christ to overcome your fears!

      Father, fill Lisa with the confidence and power that comes from your Holy Spirit inside us; empowering her to take one step at a time in overcoming her fears. Amen

      1. thank you Lynn. I read another devotional of yours today on Proverbs 31, and I thought I really do need this. I said “no” to an aide position at a school this year, because a teenage boy there asked me, if I really fit in that department. Now, I’ve been partially employed, substituting, but not really confident in my work and other areas. Thanks for your devotionals, I will try and move forward with His Spirit, amen.

  13. I start seeking the Lord
    For a word for the new year in September. This year God has given me the word Restore/Restoration. I have to say I wanted to resist this word because of what I am going through at home. However God has changed my heart and given me a great sense of excitement about 2018.
    This past four years have been Gratitude, Grace, Abide, and this past year was Teach/Teach Me. I have learned so much over the last four years using a word for the year and I am so grateful for the opportunity to do this.
    You already have begun being a difference maker.
    Many blessings.

  14. Julie Woodman says:

    My word is transformation. I want to he transformed to be more like God. My verse is Romans 12:1-2.

  15. arwilton clemons says:

    My word for 2018 is Impact. I am praying that I impact every life with Jesus everyday of the next year.

  16. Alexandra says:

    My word for 2018 is Pursue. It’s my first time having a word of the year and I’m really excited about it. I have lots of goals I want to pursue and it’s going to take pursuing God to get there.

  17. God has led me into a new ministry the past few months and though I absolutely know it’s where He wants me, I struggle with feeling I belong. A few days ago I realized it was because my confidence is down. I did a word search in the bible and copied down many verses on confidence, such as Jer 17:7. This morning I awoke to my devotions and God reminded me through you that I still have work to do. Mornings are the worse for me. I always wake to face the world feeling defeated, so your second verse, psalm 46:5 “… God will help her at break of day.” Is especially meaningful. It looks as though my word of the year is going to be confidence.

  18. My words for 2018 are Radical Gratitude. As I seek God’s word, receive his grace and love, and feel peace only He can provide, I can let go of my fears and feel the confidence He can provide. I am committing to journal my gratitudes better in the coming year, but also with radical intentions and biblical verses. Thank you for creating an avenue for me to overcome a fear and put my thoughts into written words.

  19. Maribeth Deese says:

    This is my first year choosing a word to study, to pray about, to research, to apply. And, I choose HUMILITY as my word for 2018.

  20. Carolyn R says:

    Honestly, I didn’t think I’d ‘hear’ a word so quickly but as soon as I read your question, the Father was merciful and responded. I heard “Confidence” in the sense that He wants to be my confidence and who/what I rely on, in accordance with Prov 3:26, “For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.”

  21. alyson foy says:

    Centered…in knowing what I want, what I need…going inward and trusting myself more to make the right decisions.

  22. 2018 will be my 5th year for a word. God added a little something to the word for a year idea for me. To have a certain color pen for that year also. I would underline a verse in my Bible that stood out and spoke to me with that color. I also wrote in my journal with that color for that year. So now I can look back and be reminded of 2014 verses of LOVE are in purple, 2015 INTIMACY light blue, 2016 AGAIN green, 2016 ADVERSITY/ PRESENCE black. Now 2018 FAITH ” our faith is more precious than gold” I bet you guessed the color. May all of you have a blessed year with your word and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      This idea is so amazing, Bonita! And looking back, we can rehearse the faithfulness of God and our faith will be built up! Thank you!

  23. My word for 2018 is “connect”

  24. Joyful Gentleness – I’m heading into retirement in 1-1/2 years w/ 30 years of teaching under my belt. I’ve found I am struggling with being joyful and gentle with my students and others. As I look forward to the new year I want to focus on those two words together to help me be at peace within my soul and bless others in a joyful way.

    This year (2017) my word was “nourish”- my soul, my heart, my mind, my body and others. I kept a spiritual journal with drawing scripture verses, some copied through Pinterest others were my own design. They are beautiful and I can remember as I drew and sketched I repeated the verse over and over. At first it was just drawing and then on many I began to journal what the verse meant at the time or if it was a prayer for others. I shared them with my ladies life group – they think I’m an artist and I assured the. I am not!! I’m just a good copier but more than that I am blessed by the visual representation I have of the verse itself. I’ve taken pictures of some of them on my phone and look them up when I’m in need of a wonderful reminder from the Word!
    May peace and joy reign in our hearts this Christmas-

  25. Paige Stovall says:

    My word for 2018 is Pause. Pause before reacting, pause to take time to respond, pause to enjoy the blessings around me everyday. Pause has so many meanings and I want to focus on taking the moments to spend more time God as my me time, focusing on pausing to listen to what he wants to do through me.

  26. Leigh Anne Akey says:

    My word for 2018 is dwell. I want to simply dwell in the presence of the Lord as he guides me through the next path of my life. You see my life is about to become different as my youngest daughter marries on February 10. Then both of my daughters will be involved in ministry, the oldest as a Girls’ Ministry Director and the youngest as the wife of a student pastor and a new elementary school teacher. I have been contemplating what direction my life will lead since I will be alone for the first time. Should I retire? If so, what path does the Lord want me to follow? He has guided me to two verses upon which to draw strength, Psalm 27:4 and Psalm 23:6b.

  27. My word for 2018 is Love. To know the fullness of God’s love, to share the love of God with others, and to love myself as God’s creation.

  28. I think I am keeping the same word God gave me last year… I read where someone else did this as well, so it gave me pause thinking about a ‘new’ word for this year.
    My word was and is “Expectant”. The definition is “having or showing an exited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant and interesting”. I am watching and waiting to see what God will do in my life in 2018! I am keeping my eyes fixed on Him!

  29. Hi Lynn,

    I have been experiencing a seven to eight year season of a personal trial/battle that is now getting somewhat exhausting. It is too personal to explain. However, it has brought me so much closer to the Lord. I thank God for this trial/storm in my life, because if I had not had it, I would not have learned as much scripture as I have. I also have leaned on the Lord more than ever. I do thank God that is not health related. For the last several years, I chose my one word for the year. For 2017, my word was “Believe”. I found scriptures with the word believe in them which I hold onto tightly……….so when Satan starts his shenanigans with me, I am armed and ready 🙂 I have to BELIEVE God’s promises. Two of my favorite believe scriptures are Mark 9:23 and Luke 1:45. Now, my one word for 2018 is…….”JOY”. I have been searching for scripture with JOY in it and have found many. I know that my storm is not over and I choose to have “JOY” in my circumstance. Therefore, I am claiming God’s promises with Psalm 30:5, Psalm 126:5, Isaiah 55:12, Nehemiah 8:10 and of course many more. Thank you for your encouragement. You definitely are a “difference maker”. ~Lisa~

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Your testimony is powerful, Lisa! Believing and having joy … “but even if He does not” isn’t that what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said. Our God is able … but even if He does not. You remind me of these brave souls. You see that the battle is not over … but neither are you! Thank you so much for your encouragement!

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