I have taken these first weeks of January 2017 to reflect on 2016 and to ask God what He wants for me in 2017. I had a couple of words in mind but settled on "peace" as my "one word" for 2017.

This word was firmly placed in my mind and heart on January 3rd. This year I'm re-reading Sarah Young's devotional  Jesus Calling and the first line that day was, "Refresh yourself in the Peace of my Presence". It goes on to say "Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world....Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others."I want Jesus to be my constant companion and an ease in my life that others take notice!

Over the years I have been prone to worry, but recently the Lord has shown me that my worry is rooted in doubt and I want to get rid of that! Peace is the antidote to worry. I have already seen in this last week, that the Lord has given me the courage to replace my worry, fear and doubt with His peace. He is in control and I am not! I am grateful for that!

I looked up the definition of "peace" and this is what I found: "freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession; tranquillity, serenity, silence, stillness; peace is used to express greeting or farewell or to request quietness or silence; to be at peace, in a state or relationship of non-belligerence, not at war, untroubled, tranquil, content; to keep the peace, to maintain order; cause to refrain from creating a disturbance; make one's peace with, to become reconciled with."

Wow, that's what I want, especially the "freedom of the mind from distraction." I don't know about you, but I find myself easily distracted from daily tasks and from the Lord wants of me.

Psalm 31:19-20 (NKJV) "Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You. In the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence, From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion, From the strife of tongues."

John 16:33 (NCV) “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world, you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.”

These 2 Scriptures will shape my prayers this year! I want to be hidden in the secret place of His presence and I want to be brave and have peace in Jesus. He IS my Prince of Peace.

What is your "one word" for 2017? (Comment below)

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