Here we are again. The beginning of a New Year. Do you ever feel grateful just to get to the next year?

Are you in the process of making resolutions or choosing a word for the year?

According to AI, resolutions were changed to one word for a fresh start to the year in the 2000s.

Whether it’s a new word or a resolution, I’ve usually forgotten mine within a few months.

In my Women’s Bible Study group at our new church, we were given the assignment to come up with our word for the New Year and a verse to go with it. On Christmas Eve, I was sick and had to postpone our Family Christmas get together. As I lay sniffling in the recliner and battling a horrible headache, I tried to think of a word to meet my assignment. In fact, I’d been trying to think of a word for days, but nothing I thought of would stick.

It can’t be that hard, I reasoned, as I lay watching another Hallmark movie to distract from feeling miserable.

My eyes wandered down to the word I had hanging on the TV stand/repurposed dresser. The word was an ornament gift from our financial advisor’s group. I felt it a waste, of a great reminder, to put it away after Christmas with the other ornaments, so I hung it permanently where I could see it every day.

HOPE

Hey! That works. I just need hope. GREAT WORD!

Now for the scripture. I glanced over at the other wall above the couch to the scripture decal I placed there a few years ago after painting. Homework assignment done. No forgetting this year’s word or scripture since it’s in front of my face daily.

If you look up “hope” in scripture, it is used a ton, especially in Psalms. But here is a verse that essentially sums up the meaning for me this year:

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.” Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)

And to follow up on that thought, check out this verse.

“The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does.” Psalm 145:13b (NIV)

Are you doing resolutions, or a word/words for the New Year?

If you feel comfortable to share, please do so in the comments, and I pray you have a Happy and prosperous NEW YEAR!