Theme Word for a New Year

Last January, I read a story in Guideposts magazine about an author who, through prayer, chose a theme word for each year - kind of like a New Year's resolution, but broader - something she could use to remind herself of her goals and relate her life events to throughout the upcoming year.  I really liked the idea and decided to choose my own.  My theme word for 2011 was Focus, and I referred back to this word many, many times across various situations in my life over the course of the past year.  This theme word led me to complete the final phase of my doctorate, create a mission statement to clarify my goals, and identify and begin to address many distractions in my life.

As 2012 drew to a close, I was excited about choosing a new word for 2013.  I started thinking about it a few weeks ago and initally selected peace, as Jeff and I have been talking a lot lately about ways to reduce our family's level of busyness and stress in order to have more peace in our home and lives.  I thought of one of my favorite Bible verses, John 14:27:  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  Peace would be a very appropriate theme word for the new year!  

But... as I often do, I ran ahead of God.  I hadn't stopped and prayed about my word - I just haphazardly picked something out of the air.  I always say that when I see/hear/read something related several times in a row, I know God's trying to get my attention.  This happens to me all the time - most often through Scripture - and it always holds a direct application to my current life circumstances.  One day last week, within a period of a few hours, I came across the word power in a Biblical context in at least four different places.  Then, in the following days, I have literally read or heard something every single day that dealt with power.  I've actually laughed out loud the last few times I've come across it! 

The more I began to think about it, the more I realized power - from God's perspective - was exactly the word I needed for this upcoming year.  When we think of power in a human sense, we often think of physical force or authoritative power.  But God's view of power is much different.  Throughout the Bible, over and over again, God tells and shows how, in order for his purposes to be achieved, His people must live in submission as He pours out His power into and through us.  I am independent, stubborn, and self-reliant.  I like to set goals and make plans to reach them... but I often fail because I burn out, because I try to do it all in my own strength.  Through Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God has thankfully made a better way for us, if we will only choose to trust Him. 

Romans 8:2:  
And because you belong to Him (Christ), the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 

Ephesians 1:19-22:  
I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things...  

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
... Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me... For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 2:13:
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.  

So, weird as it may seem,
I am claiming power as my theme word for 2013
and resolving to daily submit to God's authority.
This is exactly what my worrying, planning, over-analyzing tendencies need.  

 To rest in Him.  

To abide in His grace.  

To experience freedom - from worry, from fear, from expectation.  

To live weak in myself and strong in His power.

Won't you join me in choosing a theme word for your 2013?