Psalm 46:10a – Be still, and know that I am God. (NIV)

A praise team leader at church mentioned that he and his wife asked God for a word, specifically for them, each new year. It caught the attention of both my husband and me. We knew that it was for us.

We were curious to know what word God would have for us. We devised a test, if you will. Whoever received the word first would write it on a slip of paper and keep it hidden until the other heard. Then we'd compare. That way, we would know without a doubt that this was the word from the Lord.

I must admit that I was a little miffed when my husband stated that he knew exactly what the word was, without a doubt, within a few hours. The next day passed, and the next. Still, I hadn't heard the word. In fact, I was beginning to guess, to pull words out of the air. "Is it blessings?" "Is it faith?" He shook his head and refused to show me the paper.

On the third day, I suddenly knew. I can't explain how, but I knew the word. I couldn't wait for my husband to come home. Still, I was afraid that I was wrong. I tentatively suggested that the word might, possibly, could be, praise?

He took the paper from his pocket and slowly opened it. There was the word in capital letters: PRAISE.

I didn't understand why it had taken so long for God to tell me. One word is all that I'd asked for. I looked back in my Bible journal and couldn't believe my eyes. There was the word praise in every verse that I'd meditated on for the past three days!

I'd been so busy asking, demanding, clamouring, that I couldn't hear when God spoke to me. I wasn't listening. I should have learned this lesson many years ago when my mind was in turmoil and I was questioning God about what I should do. Suddenly, I heard the audible voice of God telling me to be still. It sounded to me more like be quiet, a command. Stop. Settle down. Years later, I discovered that that is exactly how that verse is to be translated. Obviously, I hadn't learned much over the years. It's a trait that I must still guard against today. I suspect that it might even be a universal problem.

We honoured God's word by purchasing a large PRAISE decal for the wall, and sheets of stickers. Whenever I come across one of those stickers, I'm reminded to stop and pay attention to God's voice. Throughout the year, no matter what happened, we remembered to praise God anyway.

Since then, we've received various words for the new year. Sometimes, we each receive a different word. Sometimes, we get the same word two years in a row: God hasn't finished teaching it to us. For 2017, I would encourage everyone to ask God for a personal word. I can assure you that you'll be blessed by it.

Prayer: Father, so many voices clamour for our attention. Help us to be still and listen for Yours. May Your word be power and light to us this new year. Amen.

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About the author:

JJ Ollerenshaw <sandjollie86@gmail.com>
Belleville, Ontario, Canada
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