How to Choose Your Word of the Year for 2025
Every January, it seems like everyone is buzzing about New Year’s resolutions. We hear about ambitious goals and “new year, new me” aspirations, but for me, I’ve never quite connected with that. Life changes, sometimes unexpectedly, and it’s hard to plan for a season I’m not in. When those resolutions fall through—as they often do—there’s a sense of disappointment that’s hard to shake. I also noticed that sometimes, in trying to keep up with other people’s goals or trends, I was losing sight of what mattered most to me. Instead of feeling inspired, I found myself overwhelmed.
That’s why, back in 2018, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of setting resolutions, I began the practice of choosing a Word of the Year. This simple yet powerful shift has profoundly impacted my life. Each year, I take time to reflect, pray, and ask God for guidance on what word will serve as my anchor for the year ahead. And let me tell you, it’s been transformative in ways I never expected.
My Journey with a Word of the Year
Let me take you back to 2018, the year I first embraced this practice. At the time, I was stepping into a new season. I was in a brand-new relationship, navigating the early stages of something fresh and exciting. I had this sense that God was doing something new in my life, but I wasn’t quite sure what it was. As I prayed and reflected, the words planting and watering seeds stood out to me. I realized that in this season, I was planting seeds in my relationship, my career, and my faith, nurturing them and trusting that, with time, they would grow. That year, I learned the value of patience and faith in God’s timing.
In 2019, after getting married, my word of the year was growth. It felt natural—growth in my marriage, my career, and my faith. I began an internship that year, and as I poured myself into my work, I saw growth not only in my professional life but also in my relationship with God. That year taught me that growth isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary for the plans God has for us.
2020, as we all know, was a year like no other. My word of the year was community, and if you remember, community was pretty hard to come by that year. Everything shut down, and suddenly, gathering with others became a challenge. But what I learned during that season was how to be intentional and creative in staying connected. I discovered new ways to foster community despite physical distance. I had to lean into God’s creativity and purpose even when it felt like the world had shut down.
In 2021, after walking through a year of infertility, God gave me the word trust. It was a year of learning to trust Him in ways I hadn’t before. My husband and I had just begun our journey toward adoption, and trust became a cornerstone of our faith. We had to trust God’s plan, trust His timing, and trust that He was working behind the scenes, even when we couldn’t see the whole picture.
The following year, 2022, brought the word submit into my life. That was the year I had to lay down my pride and submit to God’s plan, especially regarding our infertility struggles. It was a humbling season, but submitting allowed me to accept the things beyond my control and lean fully on God’s grace.
2023 was a year of new beginnings. Our son was born, and we adopted him into our family. I became a mom, started my own business, and even joined a new church. That year, God brought so many fresh starts into my life, and each one was a reminder of His goodness and faithfulness.
This year, 2024, my word has been cultivate. After so much growth and change in previous years, I felt God calling me to nurture and cultivate the things He had given me. I’ve spent this year tending to my family, my business, and my own spiritual growth, cultivating what God has entrusted me with.
Looking back, I’m always amazed by how God answers the word of the year in ways I never could have imagined. Each year has brought challenges, joys, and lessons, and through it all, I’ve seen how God works through these words to shape and guide me.
How to Choose Your Word of the Year
Now that you’ve heard my story, you might be wondering how to go about choosing your own word for 2025. Here are the steps I follow each year, and I encourage you to try them out.
1. Pray
The first and most important step is prayer. Before anything else, ask God to guide you in choosing a word. Remember, this isn’t about picking a word that sounds good or trendy—it’s about discerning the direction God is leading you in for the coming year. Spend time in prayer, asking for clarity and wisdom.
2. Reflect on the Previous Year
Next, take time to reflect on the past year. Consider these questions:
- What have the overall themes of the year been?
- Where have you seen God moving?
- What were some of the highlights and joys of the past year?
- What were the challenges, and what did you learn from them?
- Where do you feel like God is leading you out of or toward?
Reflection is key because it helps you see the patterns and lessons of the past year, which often point to where God is leading you next.
3. Contemplate the Year Ahead
Once you’ve reflected, it’s time to contemplate the future. Ask yourself:
- What direction is God leading me in for the upcoming year?
- What areas of my life need growth or healing?
- What do I feel like God is calling me to focus on this year?
This is where you start to get a sense of the word that might guide you. Pay attention to the themes or areas that keep coming up in your heart.
4. Align It with Scripture
Whatever word you’re considering, make sure it aligns with Scripture. God’s word is our ultimate guide, and it’s important to ensure your word of the year is rooted in biblical truth. Look for verses that resonate with the direction you feel God is leading you. Scripture will often confirm the word you’re leaning toward.
5. Choose Your Word
Finally, choose your word. By this point, a word or phrase will likely stand out to you. It might be based on a Bible verse, a recurring theme in your life, or even a song that has been speaking to you. Once you have your word, embrace it! Write it down, pray over it, and trust that God will use it to guide you throughout the year.
Possible Words of the Year and Bible Verses
If you’re feeling a little stuck or unsure about which word to choose, here are some categories and ideas to inspire you. Each word comes with a Bible verse that can serve as an anchor throughout the year. Remember, your word should resonate with your life and where you sense God is leading you.
Growth
Sometimes, we feel like God is leading us into a season of expansion—whether it’s personal, spiritual, or professional growth.
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” – 1 Corinthians 3:6
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!” – 2 Peter 3:18
“They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” – Psalm 1:3
Trust
If you’re stepping into a season of uncertainty or waiting, the word trust could be your anchor, reminding you to lean on God’s faithfulness.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” – Psalm 37:5
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7
Restoration
If the past few years have left you feeling depleted or broken, perhaps God is leading you into a season of restoration. This can be a time of healing, renewal, and rebuilding what was lost.
“He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3
“The Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you.” – Deuteronomy 30:3
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” – Joel 2:25
Faith
A season of deepening faith may be calling you. Faith helps you navigate the unknown, hold on to God’s promises, and trust in what you cannot yet see.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” – Hebrews 11:6
Joy
Even in difficult seasons, God calls us to find joy in Him. If you’ve struggled to experience joy, perhaps this is the year to focus on finding it in unexpected places.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” – Psalm 16:11
Perseverance
When life’s challenges feel overwhelming, God often calls us to persevere. This word can remind you that even in trials, God is with you, helping you endure and grow.
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.” – Romans 5:3
Surrender
For those seasons when God is asking us to release control and submit fully to His will, surrender can be a powerful word. It’s a reminder to trust God’s plans over our own.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
“Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.” – Job 22:21
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Peace
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, God offers peace that transcends understanding. If you feel like you’re seeking stillness amidst the storm, peace might be your guiding word.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Strength
Sometimes, God calls us to tap into His strength to overcome obstacles. If you’re stepping into a season that requires resilience and courage, consider focusing on strength.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” – Psalm 28:7
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11
Gratitude
Focusing on gratitude can transform your outlook, helping you find contentment and joy in the present moment, no matter the circumstances.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” – Psalm 9:1
Choosing a word for the year is about more than just setting an intention—it’s about aligning your heart with God’s will and trusting Him to lead you through whatever the year holds. Unlike traditional resolutions that often focus on external achievements, a word of the year invites you into a deeper, more personal journey of growth and faith. It serves as a compass, helping you to stay centered on what truly matters as life’s unpredictable twists and turns unfold.
The beauty of this practice is that it provides grace. You aren’t confined by rigid goals or expectations that may become burdensome when circumstances change. Instead, you have a guiding principle, rooted in your relationship with God, that can evolve with you as the year progresses. As seasons shift, your word will meet you where you are—whether in times of joy, challenge, waiting, or new beginnings.
So as you prepare for 2025, take time to pause and reflect. Look back at where God has brought you, and consider the lessons, joys, and struggles of the past year. Allow yourself to dream about the year ahead, but hold it loosely, trusting that God’s plans are higher than your own. Pray earnestly, seeking His wisdom and direction, and let His Spirit guide you toward the word that will shape and challenge you in the coming season.
Remember, this word is not just a theme for the year—it is an invitation to grow closer to God, to lean on Him more fully, and to live with intentionality. When life feels uncertain or difficult, your word can serve as a reminder of God’s promises and His faithfulness. Embrace the journey with an open heart, knowing that whatever lies ahead, God will walk with you every step of the way.
Let this be the year you surrender your plans, trust in His timing, and allow Him to write your story in ways more beautiful than you could have ever imagined.
