2023 The Year of Promise

I have never really been one to harp on New Year resolutions; I don’t usually get year-end anxiety over unaccomplished goals. I do however, find much clarity and direction in prayerfully claiming a guiding word that defines each New Year. It serves both as a challenge in who I am endeavouring to become as well as a prophetic declaration over the next 365 days and beyond.

This started in January 2020 while pursuing studies when a professor challenged us to find a word to define the New Year – a word that we would hold close no matter what transpired in the year, one that would guide us, help us grow and enhance our life experience. Very prophetically, God gave me the word “PUSH”. Then March came around and the rest is history. The COVID 19 pandemic hit, the world spiraled out of control, and we were thrown into what seemed like a never-ending lockdown in Canada. When I say I had to push, I mean I had to push hard to maintain my sanity through isolation and separation from my husband and family. I had to push harder than I ever had to create some semblance of normalcy for my son as we huddled together to get through 2020. But with God’s never-ending presence and supernatural favour, I never pushed alone. He was there guiding in extraordinary purposeful overflowing ways.

As I looked towards 2021 still grappling with the pandemic, I said “Lord as I push, I need your PEACE”, so that was my guiding word for that year. 2021 had its own challenges with many experiences that came to teach me how to navigate and find the eye of the storm. Through it all, I constantly reminded myself that no matter what, I will stand on the truth that Jesus died not just for my salvation but also for my peace. Accessing and maintaining the peace of God is essential for a joyful life, I am not fully where I need to be in this regard, but very grateful for where I am.

In 2022 while still learning how to hold onto His peace, I realized that I needed to be able to PIVOT. No doubt this year has taught me how to change, evolve and course correct when things don’t turn out the way I would want. I am learning to accept circumstances for what they are and how to pivot instead of mourning over that which never happened. This has been a tough hard-fought lesson, a class that I am still in, but I now have a much clearer vision of how to shift and still win. Mid-year I also received the word PURPOSE, the Lord has been very deliberate in showing me that it's time to walk in purpose. I have therefore become more deliberate in being obedient towards His plans for my life. So 2022 was the year of pivoting and walking in purpose!

As I pondered what would define my 2023, the Lord has prophetically said PROMISE. I have struggled with God’s timing regarding the fulfillment of some promises, yes I have grappled with the “how long oh Lord”! However, recently there has been a shift and in my heart I know that in 2023 I will not only walk in God’s promises, but I will also rest in his timing. I have a clear vision that all will come to pass eventually, every blessing, every favour, I will get them all. Yes, it is about to be spring, winter is over! I can smell the flowers!

The “P” word every year has been purely purely coincidental, or maybe not and God will one day reveal the reason lol

I challenge you to prayerfully seek a defining word or phrase that will guide your 2023. What has God laid on your heart? What will you hold close no matter what happens? I encourage you to speak to 2023.