Word for 2018

If you’ve followed my blog over the last couple years, you know two years ago my 2016 word was PRAYER. I’m a worrier by nature and experience. I could think of no better antidote to this encroaching disease of the mind than prayer. Proper perspective, shift in mindset, and peace of mind began to replace that meddlesome companion of worry. I wish I could say that worry is in the grave, never to rear its ugly head again but that would be dishonest. However, I notice growth --- I have a lot of ground to cover, but I’m further along than I once was.

In 2017, HOPE became my constant reminder to the disappointments, discouragements, and doubts. For it truly became the anchor of my soul, firm and secure, when my protective armor nicely put into place by me began to crumble. Life has a way of humbling us and setting us straight on how little control we actually have on outcomes. But Christ reminds us of HOPE that can, if allowed, permeate our mindset, bringing joy and peace despite what life throws at us.

And now as 2018 ushers in a new year, I find myself clinging to a new word --- RESTORE. What a beautiful word! It brings a visual to my mind of years ago. I traveled to the flea market with my sister-in-law and was amazed at the ugly, dilapidated items she chose to purchase. I was astonished when I rediscoverd that piece in her home with a facelift, truly complimenting and adding beauty to her home. She was a master at refurbishing, repurposing, and restoring old pieces of furniture and décor. As talented as she is, she cannot match the complete restoration process our Savior is able to do in our lives when we hand ourselves over to Him. He repurposes, giving meaning and clarity. He restores what was once a mess and splintered and creates a masterpiece noticeable to the world around us. Our very lives bear witness to the Master Designer who is available to completely restore, eliminating deficient parts in our lives, and allowing us the beautiful privilege of being an imperfect conduit of His love.

What areas of your life do you need restored in 2018? Maybe your relationship with Your Creator and Savior needs to be restored. Or could it be life has sucked you dry, leaving you fatigued and apathetic and you desire restoration in a passion and joy for life. There’s that habit or that reoccurring thought life that continues to assail you and restoration is desperately required. Let your Creator, Lord and Master Restorer take your broken, purposeless, and ugly pieces of your life and breathe vitality, meaning, and joy into them. Forever is He praised as He restores us to who He initially created us to be!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” --- I Peter 5:10

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12