Welcome to 2025! Today, I want to talk about the practice of choosing a word of the year… or even just a word for a season. If this is something you’ve never tried before or you’re curious about, stick around. And if you’re not sure this practice is for you, can I just encourage you to keep listening—because you might find these ideas helpful anytime you feel like God is highlighting a word, theme, or idea in your life.
Let’s start with why this practice can be so meaningful. Choosing a word or theme can bring focus and clarity to your life.
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
- A word can serve as a gentle guide, helping you focus on what matters most in your relationship with God, your goals, or your personal growth.
- It can also be a way to tune into God’s leading, keeping your heart open to what He wants to teach or grow in you.
- Sometimes, a single word carries so much meaning—it can inspire, encourage, and ground you in a busy season.
Now, I want to pause and say this: don’t feel pressured to find the “perfect” word
No Pressure: It’s a Journey
Your word can be for a season—it doesn’t have to last all year. And if at any point you feel like God is nudging you in a new direction, it’s okay to change your word. This isn’t about getting it “right”; it’s about walking with God and being open to what He’s speaking into your life.
My Word of the Now: Delight
Let me share my word of the now and how it came to me—it might encourage you as you explore your own word or theme.
A couple of months ago, Brandon and I went to a leadership conference with friends from church. From the moment we stepped into our Airbnb, I could sense God speaking to me and showing me so much. On the third day, one of the speakers challenged us with this question: “What did God tell you to do?“ His message stirred my heart, and I jotted down this thought:
"My heart needs to be fixed on and predetermined to glorify God in everything I do."
As I reflected, Psalm 37:4 came to mind:
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
I found myself asking, “Lord, how do I delight You?“
Over the next few days, this question stayed with me. I began researching the word “delight” and discovered its meanings: to be soft, delicate, dainty, pliable; to be happy about, take exquisite delight, to make merry over.
God then led me to several verses about taking delight in Him, receiving delight from Him, and bringing delight to Him. Last week, as I was planning and praying for the next season using my Powersheets, the word “delight” stood out. It encapsulated everything I sensed God leading me toward.
Learning to live from a posture of delight—not only delighting in God but also seeking to bring delight to Him—feels foundational for all I want to do and be this year.
Ideas for Engaging with Your Word
So, how do you really dig into your word once you’ve chosen it? Whether you’ve already chosen your word or you’re thinking about it, here are some practical ways to dig deeper and keep your word in front of you throughout the year or season:
- Look up the definition of your word.
Start with the basics! Understanding the full meaning of your word can spark ideas and connections you may not have thought of. - Explore the original Hebrew or Greek.
If your word is from scripture, look up its meaning in the original biblical languages. This can add depth and richness to your understanding. - Find scripture that includes your word.
Search for verses that mention your word or its related themes. Write them down, memorize them, or meditate on them throughout the year. - Journal your reflections.
Take time to journal about why this word matters to you. What do you hope it will shape in your life? What has God already shown you about it? - Create visual reminders.
Design a digital wallpaper, write your word on a sticky note, or display it on your mirror or desk. Keeping it visible helps you stay mindful of its significance. - Set intentions or goals inspired by your word.
Let your word influence your decisions. For example, if your word is “Restore,” think about areas where you need renewal—in relationships, health, or even your schedule. - Invite others into the journey.
Share your word with a trusted friend or community. You can encourage each other and share insights as you reflect on how your words are impacting your lives.
Resources for You
To make this practice even easier, I’ve put together a resource called A Creative Guide to Your Word of the Year (NOW) and it is packed with ideas and journaling prompts you can use to engage with your word. Whether you’re starting fresh or revisiting your word mid-season, this resource is designed to help you dig deeper and keep your word in focus. The link will be in the show notes.
And our Scripture Cultivations list will also be centered on the idea of delight. I’m taking you along on my journey! Throughout the year (or season), I’ll share the different ways I’m engaging with this word—through reflection, action, and creative practices. I hope it inspires you to discover meaningful ways to connect with your own word.
Closing Encouragement:
As we wrap up, I want to leave you with this encouragement:
Remember, whether you choose a word for a year, a season, or not at all, God’s invitation is always to draw closer to Him. If He’s highlighting a word or theme in your life, lean in and explore it—it might just be the beginning of something truly meaningful and lasting in your life.
Here are your cultivations
You have lots of options! Start by printing off the Scripture Cultivations Plan for free.
Prefer listening? Tune in to our podcast episodes.
If visuals are your thing, catch us on YouTube for insightful videos.
And for some community vibes, grab a cuppa and hop over to the FIGS Community Facebook Group.
What are Scripture Cultivations?
If you’re new to the Figs Community, you may be wondering why I call them Scripture Cultivations instead of a Scripture Writing Plan or Scripture Reading Plan. Hop on over to this page to find out more.
