Happy New Year!
It’s a new year. A new start. Much like a clean slate and here we go again. We’ve been here before and yet the homestretch felt different this year.
I am not quite sure exactly when I knew what my one word would be for 2018. The word kept coming to mind throughout a difficult fall season, at first seeming like the word for the season. But as the weeks of Advent pressed on, I realized it was to be the One Word for 2018.
Focus, as defined from several different dictionaries, means “the center of activity or attention; emphasis; direction”. Interestingly enough, the Latin word for focus meant “fireplace or hearth” and how we came to think of a fireplace as the focal point of a room.
In 2018, my desire is to stay focused on what God would have me to do with each day. He is to be the center of my activity, the driving force in my life.
“… but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13b-14, NLT)
This verse is a familiar one and yet has fallen on me with a freshness I cannot explain. The imagery Paul uses brings two thoughts to mind:
- What is done is done. If we get stuck in all that has transpired in the past, we will get stuck in the past. We will stagnate and never achieve all God has for us in the future. He intends for each day to be lived to its fullest, in spite of what has already taken place.
- Keep on going. Paul used athletes as a metaphor. He conjures up the image of athletes in training. They must strain, remain undistracted, and be completely dedicated to their game or race.
It is in remembering the end goal, I will find motivation to run my race and run it well. Focus will prevent me from slacking off. Focus – proper focus – will be the driving force towards living my days to the fullest for His glory, not mine. In writing about Paul, one commentary states:
“The joy of the process kept him [Paul] going, but he realized that the ultimate joy was the completion of God’s work in his life.”
(Richard R, Melick, Jr.; The New American Commentary, Vol. 32, page 139)
So here’s to developing a deeper focus this year.
I want to forget the past and
look forward to what lies ahead.
Press on and FOCUS!
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Inspire Me Monday .
Love it. I need to focus and STAY focused. Putting Him first in all things. ♥ Happy New Year!
Nannette, so very true! It is easy to start out the year with focus but to STAY focused …. may the Lord help us this year! xo
Joanne,
Great Word…..praying you on!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you! Praying the Lord to do much this year in and through both ministries! xo
May God be with you as you focus on him and make his will the centerpiece of your life!
Much appreciated!
Focus is such a great word! The Lord placed three on my heart, which isn’t one word, but the three do go together. Abide, Flourish, and Simplify! So throughout the year I may only focus more on one or all three together, I love the flexibility it gives me, plus, I feel when I am abiding in the Lord, as I should, then I will be flourishing, and from that, I am able to simplify the areas causing clutter or distraction.
Jennie, I think those three words go beautifully together. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds for you!
Our words are similar – mine is press on, and to do that I must focus. The enemy would love to distract us from our goal.
May 2018 be everything you hope for — and more!
Jerralea, may the enemy not be successful in distraction either of us from all the Lord would have for us in 2018!
Focus is a great one word, Joanne! I’ll look forward to how it will weave its way into your life this year. I’m still working on my word, but I think it is Mystery. More to come. 🙂
Lisa, I love your word “mystery” and enjoyed reading about it. We may not know how it unfolds now but it will be wonderful to see all that God does in the year ahead for you. Blessings!
I’m glad we’re on this journey of “focus” together, Joanne. Look forward to learning more from your insights throughout the year!
Likewise, Lesley! I do hope you share with me how it unfolds and all that you learn.
What a great word. I think we all need to be more focused on the important things!!!
I so agree, Susan. I can get so caught up in things that will not matter a hill of beans. I want to stay focused on His will more than ever.
Such a great word. There are some areas that I need to focus on this year myself.
Praying we both stay focused this year on the things the Lord places before us, casting aside anything which is a distraction. Blessings!