‭“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalms‬ ‭40:5‬ ‭NIV‬).

This verse is the foundation of my one-word this year. If you’re not familiar with the concept, near the end of the previous year, I seek God for His guidance in my choice. Sometimes, at first, it’s unclear. But then a word grabs my attention. It may happen while I’m in prayer. Often, clarity comes as I listen to a sermon or a song, or while I talk to a friend.

Some of my previous one-words include momentum, finishing, and last year’s word, redemption. Each word challenges me and infuses me with hope. But this year, my one-word was a complete surprise.

Drum roll, please. My one-word is WOW! I sense it’s a call to worship. Obviously, God is worthy of our awe, adoration, and praise. But I’m both excited and curious about how to keep my heart in a wow kind of posture.

If you have a theme, Scripture, or one-word for the year, how will you keep it in your sights?

I share my word with my husband, my prayer partner, and in spaces where I feel it will be supported (like on this blog). But the months ahead will require much focus. Here are a few ways I plan to keep mine.

To be clear, the point of the one-word concept is to help us develop a deeper connection to God. His Word is the source of life-giving truth.

The Scriptures drench us with wisdom and encouragement to live based on Christ’s redemption. But based on what happens in our lives, our focus may fail to have a filter. And yet, there is only one way we can bear much fruit.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV).

John 15 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I love the vineyard analogy, which shows us how to remain and abide in Christ. But He abides in us too. With a wow beating in my heart, I seek to remain in awe of Him. I know life can be unpredictable and put great demands on our faith. In fact, one year, life hit me so hard, I forgot my one-word by year’s end. It happened because without much focus, there was little fruit. But by God’s grace, we can check the filter of our focus.

Life’s demands only highlight our need to abide in Christ. As we do, much spiritual fruit is found in our knowing, trusting, and obeying Him.

So, consider your focus for the year. How will you find it or maintain it? How will your focus lead to more fruitfulness in your walk with God? Whatever word, theme, or goals you hold dear this year, I pray you’ll be encouraged.

By faith, I anticipate being wowed by God in all kinds of situations. And yet, come December, the praise in Psalms 40:5 will be just as true as it is on any day of any year. For “Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare” (Psalms‬ ‭40:5‬ ‭NIV‬).