The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
It’s that time of the year! No, I’m not referring to Christmas. I’m talking about that time of the year to select the word of the year. Here is a list of the chosen words for 2024 from some notable sources:
Oxford: ‘brain rot’
Cambridge: ‘manifest’
Collins: ‘brat’
Dictionary.com: ‘demure’
Reasons for choosing each word vary; from words used to describe the mood of the world for the year to simply being one of this year’s most popular words.
As I was listening to a US Christian radio station, one of the hosts asked what word would you select for 2024. To clarify, he was asking what word best defines, describes or resonates with you on how 2024 went for you personally? As I reflected on the year which has had its ups and downs, I struggled to find my word. And then the very next song on the station provided it: Faithful.
Why Faithful? It did not describe my year but it is an attribute that described the Lord during my year of ups and downs. The verses of Lamentations above encapsulates the faithfulness of God during my own times of lamenting this year. Life is hard and many times this year, I couldn’t imagine facing it without my Savior right there with me. I made it through the ‘down times’ because of His faithfulness and I also celebrated the ‘up times’ of His amazing blessings because of His faithfulness.
Instead of a word to define or describe your year, what word would you use to describe the Lord in your life this year? What attribute (characteristic) of God resonates with you for 2024? What scripture verse(s) reinforces this characteristic of God you selected? Is there a song that celebrates this aspect of who God is and has been for you during this year? Instead of choosing a word for the year that puts the focus on the world and its people, why not instead choose a word that seeks to celebrate and acknowledge the One who holds the world in His hands.
As stated earlier, life can be hard. 2024 has been extremely hard for many and this may include you as you read this post. So as we ponder an attribute to celebrate the Lord, let’s keep in our thoughts and prayers the many who will find it very difficult to choose an attribute of God to celebrate this year. May the Lord in His infinite love and wisdom show them how He can be their Comforter during what is typically a season of joy.
Considerations 