We’ve all seen them — the click-bate games on social media that predict your future or tell you something mysterious about yourself. The other day my parents were telling me about one they saw. You scan for the first four words you see inside a giant word search puzzle, and those four words would become things to claim in the new year.
Of course, I took my turn when it popped up on my feed the next day:
Power, Purpose…then Miracles. Finally, Love.
What was initially a silly little game became more meaningful to me with each new word I found. I’m not usually one to buy into that sort of thing but, as cheesy as it sounds, I pulled up my notes and wrote down the words.
2021 was not a fantastic year for me in several areas, and that’s okay; I’ve come to terms with it and I’m glad to have a clean slate. I also know there are many others who faced tough years and I try to keep my perspective (which my husband helps me do) and not be overly dramatic. I’m realizing more and more that those “lows” in the phrase “highs and lows” your parents talk about, the ones you vow to see your spouse through, the ones that you think are a long way off — they sneak up on you, pile on, give a swift kick or even linger. But no matter how, they do come.
What I decided to do with my four words is to reflect on their meanings and be intentional about seeing them play out in my life this year. I’m beginning by outlining some initial thoughts on them below, so keep reading if you want to see where I’m going with this.
1. Power
Generally, I’m not a power seeker. In fact, I shy away from power. It’s something that I leave to others and I’m usually happy to accommodate to keep balance. In some areas of my life, I need to be more comfortable and even courageous to claim my expertise or judgment and use power for the positive. I know I need to get better at this.
I also need to claim God’s power in my life as a protector and as a source of confidence. Use of power at home and at work is still a tricky line for me and I’m learning my different roles here and there. I believe that if I keep my spiritual perspective of power in the right place, my hold on power, how I view it and use it at home and at work, will be more effective and upstanding.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” — 2 Timothy 1:7
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
2. Purpose
I see how my purpose has looked different logistically over the past decade of life and even since being married. I have always seen my purpose as a supporter, a responsible steward, and a reliable friend and partner. I love our married life and what Caleb and I are building together. We are both well into establishing our careers, I have a good job and I enjoy doing good work.
But I know that there is more purpose to be revealed in my life. There are other roles that I want to be part of my life’s purpose.
What I have to keep telling myself to do until then is lean into the roles that I play now. It’s so easy to let unfulfilled desires cloud your mind and purpose; I don’t want to live in a constant state of discontent. I want to live in my purpose, or on purpose, no matter what else happens each day, week, year.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” — Psalm 20:4
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
3. Miracles
I don’t know about you, but when I think about miracles, I think of mysterious signs and wonders a la “The Prince of Egypt” and the physical miracles Jesus did for people like healing the blind.
I want faith in my life to really believe in big miracles. When Jesus was on earth, the miracles he performed were for crowds but also for individuals (just look up “miracles” on any Bible app if you want a refresher). I want to believe God can and will do the same today. I want miracles to be known and acknowledged in my circles and in my own life — and to give credit where credit is due.
I’m not a superstitious person and I know that to non-believers, miracles can sound pretty superstitious. One of the most difficult albeit beautiful things about faith is that it is a mystery we choose to believe.
“Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” — Luke 8:50
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” — Psalm 9:1
“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God’.” — Luke 18:27
4. Love
I admit I have a life full of love, it’s something I experience in abundance. Love can be tricky though because it’s so misconstrued in the secular world that we have to constantly combat false meanings with the truth. So that’s what I’m claiming this year; to know true Love better and share it with others in my life.
Whether you throw the word around often or are someone who uses it sparingly, we can all benefit from learning how to love each other in meaningful ways. Sometimes it’s easy to do that. But sometimes it takes humility (setting aside a desire to be “right” or hold power), intention, and creativity.
This year I’m claiming an abundance of love for myself and for my family members.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” — 1 John 4:18
“Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” — Jude 1:2
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” — Proverbs 10:12
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” — 1 John 4:1.
What are some words that you can claim for the new year? I hope my examples are able to stir up some fresh perspective for you. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Xo, Laura