2023. Lots of ups and downs. Lots of adjustments. Lots of new things for everyone. It was a leaning lesson, but there was so much joy and accomplishment! I think a lot of growth occurred as we navigated parenting 2 young adults, a full-fledged independent teenager, and a tween still finding his wings. All of that at once it a lot, but Britt changed jobs half way through the year and some how we are still adjusting to me being in a different town most days of the week. But all in all, it was a decent year. We lost Britt's dad, I had 2 surgeries, and Lara had one, plus some of us got Covid again, but overall we are healthy. We are all ending the year in good places - looking forward to what 2024 has on the horizon.
My One Word for 2024 is “Discernment.” When I was younger, I was blessed and honored to learn that discernment is one of my spiritual gifts. As a teenager and young adult, I leaned into it, but probably used it in a less than mature way. As I got a little older, I was able to be more careful, thoughtful, and intentional in how I used this gift. What is discernment? Let's start there
Some dictionary definitions I found:
- the ability to judge well
- the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure
- (in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding
For a Christian, discernment is a process by which God helps an individual reach the best decision. The Latin root of “discernment” means to “separate” or “set apart.” In Christian life, it is the ability to separate good from evil, truth from falsehood, wisdom from foolishness.
There have been many times in my life where I just "felt" the answers. I had an understanding of what I should do and how i should do it without knowing the why behind it. I am able to read people and their intentions better than most. This often leaves me a bit guarded and reluctant to be vulnerable, which exhibit itself in extreme anxiety. So, along with my goal this year to focus back in on, and strengthen my discernment "muscle," I am also going to try to curb my anxiety reflex. I have been on ant-anxiety meds for years, and I know my triggers, but I feel like working the tool of Godly discernment with the battle against my human angst, I may come out on top more often!
2024 will bring MANY big decisions for my family. A few I can foresee, but I also know there are probably more I cannot even fathom or begin to prepare for. This is my second factor in choosing 'discernment' as my One Word for 2024. Sometimes, just knowing these decisions are coming created a wash of anxiety over me - and sometimes that is overwhelming. I think that is why God laid this work on my heart. When I feel anxious about these decisions, I will TRUST GOD to show me his truth while uncovering the world's lies.
Discernment acts as a means of protection, guarding us from being deceived spiritually. It protects us from being blown away by the winds of teaching that make central an element of the gospel that is peripheral or treat a particular application of Scripture as though it were Scripture‘s central message. This year as I focus on this, discernment well serve as a catalyst to spiritual development: “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning” (Prov. 14:6). The discerning Christian goes to the heart of the matter.
My three focus verses for this are:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10).
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
As I reflect on these verses, and seal them on my heart, I also have 3 specific prayers to help me focus on this skill, hone it, and cast out all fear:
- Lord, God, please give me an understanding heart and a sensitivity to Your ways.
Lord, help me to distinguish between the truth of Your Word and the lies of this world.
- Lord God, help me to discern between Your voice and the enemy’s voice. May Your gentle warnings be louder in my ears than the enemy’s empty threats.
I want to grow closer to God, and lean on his understanding I want to me less anxious, and more certain in the decisions we have to make this year. I want to listen, and not speak. I want to have peace with the decisions we are making as a family, and I want to care less what others think of me, my family, our motives, and our path in life.
As Christians believe that our ultimate source of wisdom and truth comes from God. We know our hearts are deceitful, and that we cannot stake our life decisions upon our feelings (Jeremiah 17:9).
Gaining discernment does not come from gazing out over the ocean and looking deep inside ourselves, but rather it comes from setting our eyes on God's wisdom.
As I do every year, it is time to look back over my one word posts from years past to see how I came to use them as my focus for the year and to assess outcomes. How well I was able to maintain that focus. What God brought me to or brought me through because of my one word. How my family changed and grew from my yearly focus. Here is a list of the previous posts, if you are interested:
2023 - Celebrate!
2022 - satisfied
2021 - hope
2020 - breath2019 - listen
2018 - welcome
2017 - closer (I was anxious, and blog-averse, as we opened 2017, so it's a short FB post)
2016 - greater
2015 - brave
2014 - joyful
2013 - resolution
Here is to 2024. Discernment - Knowing not just what is "right," but what is ALWAYS right in the eyes of the Lord. Comparison is STILL the thief of joy - choose to rejoice in all that is good and glorifies God!