NOW-my word for 2014 is now. I’ve known it for a month already. It just popped, requiring no real rumination or reflection. It resonated immediately. Something is stirring about not putting things off, being more immediate in my relationship with God, more present and loving in my relationships with others, more action-oriented on ideas, more perceptive of opportunities.
Jean Ritchie’s song title, “Now is the cool of the day,” inspired me on the first application of this year’s word. Now is the time for intimacy with God. Genesis 3:8 describes God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, looking for Adam and Eve. I love that image. Without a doubt, He knew where they were and what they had done. Yet still, He comes calling them.
He is patient and waiting for me. Now is that prompt to meet Him in the garden, in the cool of the day, to talk with Him and listen to Him. Now is putting a pause in the rush of thoughts to say, “I’m here. What do you want me to know about this situation?” It’s taking the time to commit to Him whatever I’m doing. It’s the moment to share what I’m feeling. It’s the opportunity to see what He wants me to see, to hear what He wants me to hear, in the present moment.
Now means being present with others. Yesterday, I read Dwight Roberson’s book-You Are God’s Plan A: There Is No Plan B. A certain phrase struck me while reading this book. “Everyone belonged to one category: people to love.” How often I can be in my own head, preoccupied with other things. A well trusted co-worker and friend told me, “I can look at your face and tell. Nope, she’s not here.” It made me sad that I had missed the opportunity to be a better friend. My quick connection is that without recognizing the NOW of connecting with God, I won’t have the bandwidth to be present with others. One must precede the other.
Now means identifying the next step in ideas and projects I want to pursue and doing it. One of my triggers for “later” instead of “now” is being unsure of what to do, being unable to sort through all the options I may see. Another beloved friend’s voice echoes in my head, “What is the very next thing you can do to move this forward?”
Now is keeping an eye out for the kairos, the God moments, the opportunities He plans in my day. How will I view interruptions, as unsolicited or welcomed? I can only welcome them when I have that communion with the Lord where He whispers, “I’ve got you covered. Do this NOW.”
So, here is my prayer for 2014….
May I always be amongst those who not only hear
but know thee, who walk with and rejoice in thee,
who take thee at thy word and find life there.
Keep me always longing for a present salvation in Holy Spirit comforts and rejoicings, for spiritual graces and blessings, for help to value my duties as well as my privileges.
May I cherish simplicity and godly sincerity of character.
Help me to be in reality before thee as in appearance I am before men…
to set my affections on things above,…
to be a dispenser as well as a partaker of grace,
to be prepared to bear evil as well as to do good.
O God, make me worth of this calling, that the name of Jesus may be glorified in me and I in him.
This prayer is from a selection in The Valley of Vision, “A Present Salvation,” p.12.
Graphic for One Word by Melanie over at OnlyABreath.com
What’s your word or prayer for 2014?
AB Reflections 
My word for the year is the Greek word, “meno.” It can mean: to remain, abide; to sojourn, to continue to be present; to be held, kept, continually; to continue to be, not to perish; to last, endure, to survive, live; to remain as one, not to become another or different; to wait for. It’s way deeper than I thought at first when I was thinking “abide.” I am looking forward to 2014 and all that the Lord wants to do in and through me.
that IS deep, Betsy. Looking forward to seeing what He does in your life through this journey. thanks for adding your word!
I love that prayer! Thanks for sharing it. I also find it difficult to deal with interruptions. Your post brought to mind something I read by Elisabeth Elliot. She brings up the point that what we perceive as interruptions are actually God’s plan for our day. It’s good to bear in mind, although it’s still hard for those of us who tend to be task-oriented and report to task-oriented bosses.
Hi, Kristen! some days are better than others at seeing interruptions as the God-moments of the day. I’m hoping this word, NOW, helps me stay in the moment with the Lord and with others. love Elizabeth Elliott’s writings– have learned so much from her. Thanks for responding!
Thanks Andrea for this great sharing. As a word to begin this new year with, it is powerful. Live fully NOW, you will nenver live on “Someday Island”.
My word for 2014 is DISCIPLINE. Bring discipline in everything in my life ( spiritual, family, ministry, tasks and goals). I love this quote by Elbert Hubbard: “Self-discipline is the ability to make yourself do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.” He also said : “The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today.” and today means NOW!
Blessings NOW!
What a great quote, Edouard! I also like your word. I keep thinking it takes many repeated choices and actions to build habits that support our desire to live on mission. Keep me posted! Thanks for commenting!