Lately, I’ve been reading this whole idea of having a “word.” I hear inspirational stories of women whose word is courage or perseverance. They want 2015 to be a year of risk, or a year of determination—and I get it. When I think of 2014, I think of words like: healing, self-discovery, adventure, experience, trust. All such powerful words that really sum up my past year. As I wrack my brain trying to come up with something cool to represent this New Year, I realize I’m stumped. “Whatever, it’s cheesy, anyways,” I think.

As this first month of 2015 is in full swing and, and as we settle into “regular” life or as some call it, “the real world” we get caught up in day-to-day routine. As I transition from living out of a suitcase to living at home, from über independence to a serious relationship, from a teaching career to a writing career—which consequently means from no set job to the start of a new one (eek!) all I can think of is: uncertainty. My whole life is transitioning and I feel like I am in absolute no control of it. It’s a little intimidating—actually, it’s a lot intimidating. When everything is changing so fast and you find yourself violently slamming on the breaks but nothing happens. Have you ever felt this way? I just want to cut the puppet strings and regain control. I want to KNOW what’s next, darnit! As I sit and pout like a stubborn 4 year old who thinks she has the brains (and resources) to run her own life, I hear the voice of my sweet Creator whisper in my ear gently, “I got it…trust Me.”

Feeling that gentle tug in my heart sounds beautiful. I wish I could say those words remove the questions and remove the doubt. They don’t. It leads me to ask more questions, like “Trust You with what? How? Everything is changing…everything is so…new”

And as I sit here, originally with the intent of pouring out my frustration at the fact that I don’t really have a word, it hits me…my transitions, my changes, my uncertainty, my doubts…they’re all a result of, well, newness. So many new things are happening, and naturally I freak out. Don’t we all? We don’t tend to like newness. We like things to stay how they’ve always been. We like things to remain comfortable. Newness causes our anxiety levels to go up. But as I sit and ponder all things new, I think about God’s confident reassurance to trust Him. What does He think about things that are new? As I consider this question, verses begin to flow into memory.

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. [Isaiah 43:19]

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [Lamentations 3:22-23]

I will sing a new song to you, O God; [Psalm 144:9a]

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” [Revelation 21:5]

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. [2 Corinthians 5:17]

(emphasis’ mine)

These verses are so clear: God loves new things. Here I am doubting the newness in my life, as my Creator rejoices in it.

What do I have to fear?

As 2015 continues to roll along, I will let the new-ness bring me joy. As things continue to change, I will be reminded of the beauty and the joy in newness.

I will sing a new song and I will rejoice as God continues to pour new mercies every single morning.

So you guessed it, my word for 2015 is NEW. It’s nothing profound, nothing special. It’s simple, yet fills me with so much peace. Every time I hear this word, I will meditate on the verses that remind me of God’s trustworthiness.

What’s your word for 2015?

I’d love to hear about it. Feel free to comment below!