Word(s) of the Year

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    I don't know if y'all have ever done this, but last year I focused on a word of the year: selflessness. I prayed over, read Scripture on, and found ways to practice the virtue of selflessness. I tend to be focused on myself and not others, but over 2022, I worked hard to change that sinful habit. While I am definitely no master in this, I have seen myself grow in this area. I did the same in 2020 (grace), but I don't remember doing one in 2021.

    The verse I chose to be my main focus (for 2022) was Philippians 2:3 (NASB 1995):

    "Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves." 

    This year, I chose this word: surrender. Surrender refers to emptying myself of my own desires, in order that I can be filled with God's desires. My verse of main focus is Matthew 26:39:

    "And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as You will." (Emphasis on "not as I will, but as You will")

    Recently I've had to pray over continuing an activity of mine. There are some things about it that don't necessarily honor God. Yet it is also not necessarily a bad activity. As I prayed, I noticed that I wasn't fully able to discern God's will for my life until I let go of my own desires. Now I've been able to discover what I believe is His will. 

    I know that more situations will come my way this year as I make more and more decisions about school, college, and work, which is why I truly want to let go of my desires and wishes to be filled with His Spirit and ways. Please pray with me as I take this journey with the Bible as my guide and Jesus by my side. And I would encourage you to take a virtue to dwell on this coming year. 

With His Love, 

Alyssa Wells 

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Comments

  1. Kara KuehlJanuary 19, 2023 at 3:06 AM

    I love that! Surrender is hard.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alyssa WellsJanuary 19, 2023 at 3:30 AM

      Yes, it can be so hard! But as Philippians 4 says, God will give us His heavenly strength in order to accomplish His will.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2023 at 7:57 AM

    This is Elena!
    This is very encouraging, Alyssa, thank you! I actually have done the same thing: choosing a word for the year. This year I chose two words: selflessness (like you!) and humility, because I think they go hand in hand. Also, I need to work on both in my life as a friend, sister, and daughter!
    One more thing: I LOOVEE Philippians 4!!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alyssa WellsJanuary 20, 2023 at 8:08 AM

      Yes, those both are such great words! I always have humility as a quality to work on as well because I have the tendency to be prideful in my heart. It's so easy to seek attention for myself instead of focusing on what's really important in life. I'll be praying for your journey with those words this year!
      And I also LOVE Philippians 4! It's one of my favorite chapters in the Bible!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2023 at 11:52 AM

      Amen!😊

      Delete

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