For the last six years I’ve chosen one word to be my anthem for the year and it’s amazing what’s happened as I have challenged myself to focus on one simple, yet powerful word.

I’ve been proactive walking in truth, living more radical thanks to David Platt, being more intentional in my relationships, learning to me more productive thanks to the mentorship of Michael Hyatt, and saying no to good things so I can say yes to even better things.

Last year I chose the most powerful word I’ve ever lived out: trust. Holy Smokes did God ever take me on a challenging ride of trust in 2016. I didn’t get everything right, but if God were giving a grade I’d say I got a B+. On December 28, 2016, as I signed the lease on the Farm House for Esther’s House, that word rolled off my lips with more fervor than I can describe. In 2015 I moved back to my hometown in the snow with the last $1000 to my name to open Esther’s House, and I thought that was trust… until my pen hit the paper last week.

It’s time to step it up in 2017. 

This year changes everything. This year I focus on the one word that will change everything about how I live my life, how I see others, and how I grow in my intimacy with the Father.

This year I pick the most powerful verb I’ve ever chosen: REST. 

Yep… you read that right. Here’s what I’ve learned about rest in the last few months. When someone told me I needed to rest more after getting sick this summer, I got mad. All I had done was rest, lying in bed, unable to do more than sleep for days. The only thing I was missing was some bon bons and Netflix binging. That was my definition of rest anyway. But I was wrong… Deeply wrong. 

The next morning I opened my journal, sarcastically writing to God, “Okay, here I am, ready to rest. Show me what you want me to do.” Those words have changed everything about my life and who I am. God answered that snarky request with so much grace and mercy I can’t even begin to describe to you.

He led me to Exodus 33:14: “The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” I personalized for myself, taking out Mose’s name and inserting my own.

“I will personally go with you, Sundi Jo, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Those words are changing everything. Everything. Despite any circumstances. Despite heartache. Despite trials. Despite sickness. Despite broken relationships. Everything will be fine for me. Everything will be fine for you too, my friend. 

And so here I am… on a journey of uncovering the art of rest. The gift of rest. The greatest action we can take, because it’s in the place of rest where God meets us most.

Graham Cooke says, “Every circumstance you encounter already has rest in the issue. No matter what. It’s the one thing God has blessed and sanctified in his relationship with you.”

I’ve barely scratched the surface of understanding what rest truly means. I can’t wait to uncover more in 2017. I can’t wait to live my life from a place of rest. I can’t wait to share with you everything I learn.

2017 is a year of endless possibilities for you, my friend, despite any challenges. I encourage you to ask God to show you what word He wants to embed on your heart this year. What’s the one word which will take you to a new level in your relationship with Him?

My friends over at oneword365.com would love to be a part of celebrating your word with you. Head over there and join in on the one word partay!

Discover the big impact one word can make. One word. 365 days. A changed life.