The clock struck midnight and I waited for change. It was Y2K all over again. Nothing happened. At home, in bed, tired from so many things, I don’t know why I thought there would be something different just because a new year rolled in. But I did hope for…something.
A melting away of the past. A renewed sense of anticipation and excitement. A word from the Lord. A blog post idea. A One Word.
It wouldn’t be until a few days later that “freedom” would get itself stuck in my heart. A little contrary, I thought, as I looked at my calendars (yes, I have more than one) and saw what’s coming up this year.
Freedom sounds like having ample time for everything or anything. It sounds like stepping back from the busyness and living simpler. It sounds like twirling in an open field, arms wide open, and the sun shining down on a breathing soul. Letting go of worries and stress.
Maybe freedom is my One Word for 2015 because I need to remember it as the days start coming in and I struggle to return to a routine, a groove, a rhythm of life. Perhaps that’s why “freedom” has been ringing in my ears, because the year loomed over me like a bully.
Last year’s One Word for me was “ready” and Jeremiah 29:11 to go along with it. This year is “freedom” and 2 Corinthians 3:17.
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
And the Spirit of the Lord is in us. In me. There is freedom in me and I want to live in it. In the freedom of His grace. In the freedom of His promises. In the freedom found in following the path He set before me.
It’s funny. I remember now one moment of prayer when God opened my eyes and helped me realize that He’s already given me the freedom I asked for, but I held onto the shackles that once entrapped me. Like a luggage bag I refused to let go. I carried around a burden I didn’t need to carry because I didn’t know what would happen if I let go. I was scared.
David & JJ Heller released a new and beautiful song called “This Year” and I adore it. My favorite verse would have to be, “Let’s fight a good fight.”
This year I’m fighting to live in the freedom of the Holy Spirit, and that makes me excited for what’s ahead.
What’s your One Word for 2015 if you have one?
Take a listen to “This Year” by David & JJ Heller.
And here’s a lyric art you can print out. It’s full color (8.5 x 11 inches), so might I suggest sending it to a local printer?
Linking up with Coffee for Your Heart.
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