Despite my desire to keep “expectant” for 2013–I’d like a do-over on that one, please–I’m choosing a new word for 365. A word that–I think, I hope, I pray–will shape my soul in such a way that I can actually look forward with joyful expectancy, and not with fear.
About 5 years ago, my husband and I led a small group Bible Study at our church for young couples. We chose the name Dwell for the study, because of the layered richness of the word in context.
Psalm 91 (and plenty of other places in the Old Testament) sings the importance of remaining close to God, starting with verse 1–
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Dwell’s synonyms are abide, rest, occupy. Synonyms for “dwell on” include ruminate, contemplate, highlight. These words explain my dissatisfaction with “expectant” for 2012. When I look back, far too much of my time was spent ruminating on the wrong things. I’m entering 2013 feeling the importance of what I’m dwelling on–what I’m turning over in my mind, what I’m feeling in my heart, what I’m choosing to ponder.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
And finally, Dwell is an edgy design magazine I like to peruse. Dwell is where–and how–I live. This year my fuzzy goal is to cultivate a warmer atmosphere in my home: more love, more joy, more kindness. My kids are quickly getting older, and it terrifies me. I need more time to do better by them, but I’m running out of it. This year I’m focusing on where–and how–we dwell.
These are the things I need this year: to nestle close to God, to ponder wisely, and rightly, and to imbue the place where I dwell with love.
I resisted “dwell” because it feels static, but I recognize the divine nudge, and this is it.
And if “dwell” completely intimidates me, I suspect that means I’m on the right track.
God willing, 2013 will be a time to deepen my roots, and my peace, and my love.
Dwell.
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I think that’s a great word for 2013!
I like your chosen word: Dwell. I had been trying to put my finger on what I was feeling about the new year. What my own desires/hopes were for it. I knew my outlook on the new year wasn’t filled with anticipation or any “wowsa” word like expectant. (You know how some years there’s this great word that makes everyone feel energized?) But, this year, I sensed, too, that it has more to do with resting in God somehow….trusting him, maybe? Just BEING, not STRIVING so much. Yep…I love your “dwell” word. I think I’m going to make it mine as well. Making my home a safe place for other hearts to dwell, while “dwelling” in Him. Sounds perfectly wonderful. I think for me (with my precious family), even if I only succeed a little bit with loving more, it is still more than last year, right?
You just can’t go wrong with more love and dwelling in Him!
Niki, you’re so right–you just can’t go wrong. And I love the way you put it: it’s not a “wowza” word, is it? It doesn’t make me feel energized. But I still think it’s a good one. Thanks for the encouragement, and here’s to a grounded, peaceful, loving 2013 for both of us!
As soon as I saw the word “dwell” in your title, I thought of the word “abide”. If there’s a word for me in 2013, that’s it. I want to abide in the John 15 branch in the vine sense. Abiding in Christ, resting in him, allowing him to work through me as a vine works to produce fruit on the branches. Abide.
Thanks Anne.
Tim
Thanks to you, Tim.
Oh yes ma’am! I’m right here, “And if “dwell” completely intimidates me, I suspect that means I’m on the right track.” with you! Only, my word is intentional. And it’s a bit of a do-over from the un-official word I chose last year. Here’s to creating beauty within and without as you dwell.
Oh, intentional is a good one, Missy–good and scary. Here’s to an intentional 2013!
This has all kinds of possibilities! Excited to see where Dwell takes you in the coming year.
Anne with an E! I love your word! I was vacillating between a few, abide and dwell and receive being a few of them. I finally came down to believe. I’d like to hear the story of expectant and your perceived failure:) Let’s talk soon!
Dwell has a homey feel to it. My mind immediately envisioned sitting on a cozy couch with warm blankets next to a blazing fireplace. Yes, dwell with Him there!
I love it! I just taught a class at a conference about reaching out to art students on college campuses, and one thing that came to mind was how God came down to earth to DWELL among us. And that’s how we must minister to others (specifically the arts community but that’s a whole post or blog in its own right): DWELL among them. It’s not static to me at all — it brings to mind the whole incarnation, and there’s nothing static about that!