My 2025 Word of the Year
For the past six years, I’ve embraced the practice of choosing a word of the year—a single word to set my intention and focus for the months ahead. These words, including “Overflow,” “Bloom,” “Confidence,” “Intentional,” “Believe,” and “Joy,” have become touchstones, guiding me through both triumphs and challenges. As the new year approaches, I began praying for my 2025 word, as I always do. This time, however, the answer felt different. It wasn’t a whisper but a constant, clear presence—once I finally recognized it. Fear initially held me back, causing me to dismiss the obvious.
And then it became undeniably clear: my word for 2025 is SURRENDER.
This past year has been a tapestry of soaring highs and difficult lows. Now, I find myself ready to relinquish control and fully embrace God’s plan. My hands are wide open and my shoes are laced up ready for God to write my story and guide my steps. Even the part of me that instinctively grasps for control acknowledges the greater wisdom in surrender. I’m filled with anticipation for what 2025 holds.
The dictionary often defines “surrender” as defeat or submission to an enemy. However, within a biblical context, surrender takes on a profoundly different meaning—one of willingly entrusting one’s life and plans to God’s direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 beautifully captures this: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Another reference from the Bible is in Proverbs 16:9 CSB where it says, “A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. ”
This isn't about giving up; it's about giving over.
Surrendering to God is not about passivity; it's about actively choosing to trust in His wisdom and plan, even when we don't understand. It's about releasing our grip on control and allowing God to work in and through our lives. It's about recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts.
So, what does surrender look like for me in my everyday life? This is a journey of discovery, but here's how I plan to explore its meaning in the coming year:
Deeper Connection through Scripture and Meditation: I will prioritize spending time reading the Bible and meditating on its truths to deepen my understanding of God's character and promises.
Consistent Prayer: I will maintain a consistent practice of daily prayer, bringing my wants, needs, desires, and even my temptations before God.
Reflective Journaling: I’m embarking on a 30-day journaling practice to reflect on my daily experiences and discern what God is calling me to surrender.
Scripture Memorization: I will commit to memorizing scripture to keep God’s word close to my heart and mind.
Emotional Processing and Prayer in Stressful Moments: I will focus on processing my emotions during times of stress and turning to prayer in those moments.
Gratitude for the Present: I will cultivate a heart of gratitude for the blessings I have today, rather than focusing on desires God hasn’t yet fulfilled.
Stewardship of God's Gifts: I will strive to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted to me—my finances, my home, my friendships, and my physical and mental well-being—by adopting daily rituals of wellness.
As I step into 2025 intending to surrender everything thing to Him, I’m filled with anticipation for what God has in store. I encourage you to reflect on your intentions for the coming year. Pray about it first, spend time reading inspirational messages and scripture. Do you choose a word of the year? If so, what word is resonating with you as we begin this new chapter? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.