When God Speaks A Word
by Michele Husfelt on January 10, 2022
It’s already being confirmed. It’s only been two days and the Lord is reminding me of the word He’s given to be my focus for 2022. In a book I’m reading for work it appeared seven times in one chapter. It smiled at me from a beautifully handmade dish towel a friend gifted me (and she had no idea it was “my word” for the new year). It graced the pages of my sermon notes over the past few weeks. It winked at me from Scripture. Pulling out one of my favorite sweatshirts, it reminded me once again in big, bold letters…“be kind.”
This is not a request I’ve always asked of God, yet I’ve been more intentional to ask Him toward the end of one year for a word of focus for the next. As I sit with the Lord in the mornings and read and listen, I simply ask Him to reveal an area that would benefit my walk with Him and my relationships with others. As I go through the day, I’m mindful to be on the lookout for a specific area where God might be drawing me to concentrate more fully. Throughout the year this little phrase will be a big reminder to me that to walk in the ways of Jesus I must be kind. When I’m tempted to react in an unkind manner, I pray the Lord will bring to remembrance this little phrase and help it to direct my thoughts and actions.
Not only does this practice help me stay focused on a specific area where God is teaching and refining me, it also draws my attention to recognize and deeply appreciate the kindness of others. And especially the kindness of God. This morning at my workout, a fellow classmate already had my station set up when I came in. That was so kind of her. It was recently my work anniversary and sisters across our Network left comments on a Facebook post that reminded me how grateful I am for such kind women in my life. My daughter, who is living in a foreign country and navigating cultural differences, had a stressful situation with her boss yesterday and was concerned he was going to be quite angry. I awoke to a message saying he responded to her with such graciousness, and I pointed out to her how kind God was to soften his heart. A beautiful sunset last night spoke of God’s kindness. A house full of Bible study friends caused me to pause and thank God for His kindness to me. FaceTiming with my grandchildren brings a swelling to my heart that overflows with appreciation that God would be so kind to gift me with these little ones to love.
…the key is to open our hearts to the ways God wants to reveal Himself to us and allow Him to speak however He chooses.
If you’ve never asked God for a word, it’s not too late. It doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the year, and it doesn’t have to be determined in the same way others have chosen their word. The secret to having a word may not really even be the word itself. Perhaps it’s the intentionality of sitting and seeking what God has for you. Whether He gives you a word or a direction or special discernment, the key is to open our hearts to the ways God wants to reveal Himself to us and allow Him to speak however He chooses. The most important task we have is to simply listen. And then obey. Would you join me in seeking the Lord and invite Him to speak in new and exciting ways this year?
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7