New Year, New You
“New Year, New You” — the phrase I often hear as we approach an upcoming year. We cannot have a new “you” without first reflecting on the previous year while intentionally looking forward into the next. During the last quarter of each year, I begin praying about a word for the upcoming year. I want to choose a word that will hold space and embody what I want out of the year.
For 2021, my word was Expectant (expectancy). I went into the end of 2020 thinking that God would reveal love and I needed to be expectant of that. However, God wanted me to hold space for how He would show up and He did indeed show up in more ways than I could have imagined. When I needed a place to stay, He abundantly provided. When I needed to move, He made a way. The more uncertainty that I faced, the more peace I had because I was expectant that God would work everything together.
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” -Romans 8:28 (AMP).
Whether I needed a meal, medication, $20 to make it through the next pay period, God’s provision came through. I sat in expectancy that I would be okay and would be provided for and I was. Love did abound in how I healed, how I found community, in family, and in how I was able to serve and pour out in fellowship.
Two questions that help me set an intention before me and reflect are:
-What three things do I want to leave behind?
-What three things do I hope to gain in 2022?
“Even if the mountains were to crumble
and the hills disappear,
my heart of steadfast, faithful love
will never leave you,
and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken,”
says Yahweh,
whose love and compassion will never give up on you.” (Isaiah 54:10, TPT)
“Let not the floodwater overflow me, nor let the deep swallow me up; and let not the pit shut its mouth on me. Hear me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies.” (Psalm 69:15-16 NKJV)
Hesed is my word for 2022. It is a Hebrew word which translates to love. This is not your basic “live, laugh, love”. This love is the ultimate characteristic of God. A love that is reliable, steadfast, and secure. It is often translated to lovingkindness and sacrificial love. It is the love embodied in the book of Ruth. Ruth’s love for her mother-in-law Naomi to leave her people and land to return with Naomi back to a foreign land and people, where they would both be widows.
Hesed is about love in action, love that has practical action. Love that sacrifices and is reliable. God’s hesed for us, allows us to generously and sacrificially pour out generosity towards others. I’m excited to see how love will abound for me in 2022!
May your 2022 be filled with whatever it is you need for this year. Make your requests known in prayer and supplication within community and God will always come through with provision. Cheers.