I love reading about the words that other people choose to guide them through each year. I also enjoy the process of choosing a word for myself (although it might be more accurate to say that, inevitably, the words choose me).
For some reason, though, actually writing about my new word for 2020 has been a challenge. It’s been on my to-do list for weeks, but other things keep crowding it out.
While this might be an indication that I need to ditch my word and find another one, I think it’s more like a real-time illustration of the very word I’ve chosen.
As is my custom, I started pondering my new word in October sometime. Instead of making a list of potential One Words, I typically just ask God to direct my thoughts and then see what comes to mind.
There’s no formula; I usually just know.
This time was a little different, though, because the first word that landed in my heart was more like a stepping stone. A rather bleak stepping stone, honestly.
Empty.
When this word occurred to me, I wanted to push it away. While it’s arguably relevant to a few parts of my life these days, it didn’t seem like the kind of word I’d want hanging around for an entire year—especially not this particular year.
Before I had a chance to get too discouraged, however, another word came to mind.
The opposite of empty.
Full.
This word conjures up a variety of scenarios, doesn’t it? A full moon, for example. A garden in full bloom, a full stomach or a full plate (literal or rhetorical). We can have our arms full, our quivers full or our cups full (to some degree or another, depending on where we fall on the pessimist/optimist scale).
The scriptures speak of God being full of compassion, grace and truth, and of the earth being full of His glory and unfailing love. (Psalm 116:5, John 1:14, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 33:5) In stark contrast to God’s beautiful character, the Bible also mentions a variety of sinful elements our human mouths can be full of, including boasting, cursing, bitterness, deadly poison, lies and threats. (Psalm 94:4, Romans 3:14, James 3:8, Psalm 10:7)
Since Matthew 12:34 tells us that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of,” it should be our goal each and every year to keep tabs on our hearts to ensure that our conversation will “always be full of grace” and “seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6)
As I consider the word full in relation to my life in 2020, though, the one verse that keeps coming to mind is John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
I know there’s no way to predict what that’s going to look like in the coming months. The abundant nature of the life that Jesus promises isn’t dependent on our circumstances; it’s dependent on His presence.
I’m hopeful, however.
I’m hopeful that the One who began a good work in us through the sad and hard events of 2019 will continue it this year. (Philippians 1:6) And that whatever “life to the full” entails for us—individually and collectively—we will come through on the other side of 2020 with fresh stories to tell of God’s faithfulness, comfort and compassion.
♥ Lois
The abundant nature of the life that Jesus promises isn’t dependent on our circumstances; it’s dependent on His presence. Share on XNote: I’m a little late to the One Word party, but if you’ve chosen a word for 2020, I’d love for you to share it in the comments (with a link too, if you’ve written about it).
Finally, I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
42 comments
I like your word, “full” and how you arrived at it through “empty.” Besides John 10:10, I also think about that passage in Philippians 2 when the Scripture tells us Jesus empty himself to become obedient on the cross. He empty himself to give us a full life spiritually!
Such a good point, Karen. Thanks for sharing it …
Full is a beautiful word and the verse from John 10:10 will guide you well this year. But I cannot stop reflecting on these words: “The abundant nature of the life that Jesus promises isn’t dependent on our circumstances; it’s dependent on His presence.” Amen.
Thanks so much, Mary. Praying that you will find many ways to rest in God’s abundance this year too …
I love the trusting and hopeful perspective your word has given you. My absolute favorite part of this post is your final tweet! hanks so much for sharing.
So good to hear from you, Valerie! I hope 2020 is off to a good start for you. 🙂
These two words full and empty carry so much weight. And can teach us so much. That’s what I love about words. They have so many layers and applications.
May you empty yourself of all that hinders you and fill yourself with the best and truest things this year.
It was good to hear from you this week, Teresa. I hope that 2020 is full of many blessings for you and your family as well!
Lois, it was worth the wait. Your thoughts on words this year really has me thinking. 🙂 I look forward to reading more of what God shows you with your word this year. I often spend the months leading up to a new year in prayer about what God would have me to focus on.
My 2020 word is PRESENT. I know the Lord has a lot to share with me on this word. My post on my word can be found here:
https://jeannetakenaka.wordpress.com/2020/01/06/2020-one-word/
Thanks for sharing your link to “present,” Jeanne. I hear your heart on this, my friend … the days are going by so fast, and we want to engage with our kids as fully as possible before they spread their wings and fly from the nest! Hugs, friend!
Lois, you’re not alone. Although I knew my word from last year, it took me a while to write about it, also. There are really so many facets to it. I wrote about it here:
https://lcasvi.blogspot.com/2020/01/wholly-my-one-word-and-battle-of-wills.html
But I’m also intrigued by your word and its link with empty. I think we can only be FULL in the truest sense of the word when we appreciate empty. I wrote about the emptiness that fills us up and gives us purpose, passion, and peace also. If you’re interested, you can find it here:
https://lcasvi.blogspot.com/search?q=empty
Blessings to you as you discover all the fullness God has prepared for you.
Hi Carlie … I saw your post on a linkup earlier this week and have been intending to go back and read it, so thank you for including it here! “Wholly” sounds like a great word to have on your mind throughout the year. And I’m also curious to read what you wrote about “empty” … I’ll be heading over to find out soon!
Full is rich and expectant and overflowing.
After a year of loss? What a radiant choice, friend …
Bless you!
I had those same thoughts when I was mulling over “full,” Linda. As I said in the post, it definitely inspires hope in me, which is a lovely feeling indeed. Hugs, dear friend!
It took me a minute to write about my one word, too, Lois. I only posted about it this week as well. But I sort of have an excuse because my word is Linger. ha.
I posted about it here (since you asked for links):
https://www.lisanotes.com/stop-moving-on-linger/
I love your word, Full! How fascinating. I’m sure God will do wonders within it. I’ll have to remember that for future years for myself (as well as the word Empty). 🙂 Looking forward to how it plays out for you!
Thanks for sharing the link to your word post, Lisa. Such a good one, too! And of course it would be appropriate for you to linger over the writing about it. 🙂
Lois, ‘full’ is such a hopeful word yet brings the reminder to be filled, one must first be emptied, which is painful. As I read your post, I sat reflecting, and felt to turn to read a passage of Scripture. I hope you don’t mind me sharing it with you – it was Ephesians 3:14-19 and it is such a familiar passage. As you lean into this word, “Full”, may you fully trust Him in all things. May your roots go even more deeply into His love and strengthen you. May you more fully understand the depth of His love for you, for “then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (v. 19, NLT). Thank you for sharing about your word which made me look more closely at these Scriptures this morning. May we be filled fully with Him. xo
PS – My word is ‘savor’. I want to bask in His presence so that my life exhibits His character only. “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Eph. 5:2, NLT) Funny, the word ‘filled’ is in that verse 🙂
I love how our words are connected in scripture, Joanne. And thank you so much for sharing Ephesians 3:14-19 … so beautiful and encouraging for this new year! Hugs, friend.
Trusting that 2020 will be full to overflowing with all things good.
Thank you so much, my friend. I hope the same for you!
I too like to choose a one word for the year. This year my word was actually two – “fear less”.
Thank you for sharing your word of “full” – it’s a great point for reflection.
“Fear less” is a powerful couple of words to keep in mind throughout the year, Julia. It was nice to “meet” you this week … I hope to stop by your blog very soon!
Full is a great word to ponder for 2020. I like reading your thoughts so far. My word is “humility”, which I definitely need to think about. I haven’t written an entire post on it yet, but I have mentioned it in several of my posts this year.
Yes, Laurie … I think I remember you mentioning “humility” recently. I’d love to read your take on it if you do decide to devote an entire post to it!
Full. This is giving me a lot to think about today.
So good to hear from you this week, Lauren. Happy New Year to you!
Lois, I like the word full and your examples from Scripture, especially Christ being full of compassion. What a beautiful picture! And Philippians 1:6! YES! He will complete His work in us.
Tweeted.
Thanks for linking up at instaEncouragements!
Thanks so much, Patsy. Philippians 1:6 has been one of my favorite verses for as long as I can remember … I’m guessing for you too? 🙂
Hi Lois,
I’ve done this in the past and usually forget about my word within a couple of weeks of finding it – and again this year something has arisen to defeat me.
The word I received was “hearten”: make more cheerful or confident; to give heart to. It’s synonyms also include: assure, embolden, encourage, strengthen, comfort, inspirit and inspire. This was great as I have been feeling the need for all of these things for the past few years.
I was hoping to find the word “hearten” in the King James Version but, alas, it isn’t there. Neither is it there in the form “heartened.” I haven’t been able to find an easy to remember scripture verse that encompasses enough of what “hearten” means for me, so . . . I think I need to let it go and I’m not sure I’ll try for another word as I still feel drawn to “hearten” but I really also want a scripture verse to sort of verify it for me. 🙁
May the Lord bless your word as He uses it in your heart, soul and mind this year! 😊✝❤
Oh, Pearl … I love “hearten” and all its layers of meaning. I did a quick search to see if there might be a hymn or song that contained it, and the only thing I found was the word “dishearten” in a gospel song called “It’s No Secret What God Can Do.” Have you ever heard of it? John 14:27 doesn’t include the word “hearten” but it is the verse that comes to mind when I think of what the word means: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Thank you so much for sharing your word-of-the-year process with me … I hope you find a way to keep “hearten” close to your heart in 2020!
Lois,
I do know the song! 😃(I think it’s because I’m older than you. 😉) It’s message is a good one for me as well, so I thank you for bringing it to mind.
The scripture verse is a good one too! 😊 I will think on these additions and might just end up keeping “hearten” for my word.
Hugs and blessings!
Pearl
Well, my husband (who is slightly younger than me) started singing along to the song when I played it for him, so maybe I’m the only one who had never heard of it! Hugs back, my friend!
I always love hearing about people’s words for the year and how God is using them. “Full” sounds like a great focus and I love the reminder in John 10:10 about Jesus giving us life to the full. Look forward to reading about what you learn this year. My word is “vision.”
I enjoyed reading what you had to say about “vision,” Lesley. And if I remember right, you posted it on Jan. 1, which really impressed my late-to-the-party self! 🙂
Full is a great word, Lois! I’ll be excited to see how God uses that in your life this year! I’m no good with “one word,” but I tend to have verses for different seasons in life- this time it’s 2 Timothy 1:7!
Bethany, having verses for different seasons is a great idea! And I’d love to hear (or read about) the story behind your current verse. It’s kind of a lifelong scripture for me too. 🙂
May God hold you closely as You seek Him in your life. May He continually fill your cup to overflowing, Lois. Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Aw, Linda … thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you stopped by this week!
Oh Lois, I love how God led you to your Word of the Year. Such depths of meaning in that as we first need to be emptied before we can be filled. I need to remember the message in John 10:10. And this – “The abundant nature of the life that Jesus promises isn’t dependent on our circumstances; it’s dependent on His presence.” Love and blessings for an abundant life in Jesus!
I love how you put that, Trudy … “we first need to be emptied to before we can be filled.” It wouldn’t be a stretch to say my family experienced lot of emptying last year, so I’m glad “full” was the word I finally landed on for 2020! Praying that this year will be marked by abundant blessings for you as well, my friend!
I love this post and the way you were led to find your word. May the Lord bless you with His fullness! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank YOU, Cheryl! I hope this year is full of joy and blessings for you. 🙂