How to Choose Your Word of the Year

There’s something special about starting a new year with clarity and intention. For many Christian women, that begins by choosing a Word of the Year, a single word that helps you stay focused on what God is teaching, growing, and refining in your life.

But here’s the thing - choosing your word isn’t about picking something trendy or aspirational. It’s about partnering with God to define what He wants to cultivate in your heart this year. When you invite Him into the process, your word becomes more than a goal—it becomes a guiding theme for spiritual and personal growth. If you’re ready to discover your word of the year and learn how to choose it with God, this post will walk you through the process step by step.

Why Choosing a Word of the Year Matters

As women, it’s easy to set goals, resolutions, and to-do lists that center on what we think needs fixing. But the Word of the Year is different. Instead of striving, it’s about surrendering. Your word becomes a spiritual anchor, something that grounds your thoughts, prayers, and actions when life feels scattered. It’s a way to slow down, listen, and align your daily rhythms with God’s heart. Some years, your word may stretch you. Other years, it may comfort you. But every year, it becomes a tool for reflection and growth as you walk with the Lord.

Step 1: Pray and Invite God In

Before brainstorming, pause to pray. Ask God to reveal what He wants to do in your heart this year. Try journaling this simple prayer: "Lord, I don’t want to choose a word based on what sounds good; I want to receive a word that reflects what You’re growing in me. Open my eyes and ears to what You’re speaking.”

As you pray, pay attention to themes that surface repeatedly - in sermons, Scriptures, devotionals, or even conversations. God often confirms His direction through repetition.

Step 2: Reflect on the Past Season

Before moving into what’s next, take time to look back. Ask yourself:

What lessons did God teach me last year?
Where did I feel His pruning or His peace?
What area of my life needs more surrender, joy, or focus?

Reflection brings clarity. This is where journaling for faith growth becomes such a powerful tool. When you write down your reflections, you’ll often see patterns you didn’t notice before, areas where God is preparing you for something new.

Step 3: Identify the Themes

Once you’ve prayed and reflected, start writing down the words, verses, or themes that stand out to you. Maybe you keep noticing words like:

Peace – You’re craving rest and simplicity.
Obedience – God’s calling you to trust Him more deeply.
Joy – You’re learning to find contentment where you are.
Stewardship – He’s teaching you to honor your time, health, or finances.
Faithfulness – You’re being reminded to stay rooted even when results take time.

Circle the ones that stir something in your heart. Don’t overthink it, just pay attention to where you feel a gentle pull from the Holy Spirit.

Step 4: Confirm It with Scripture

The best way to know your word aligns with God’s will is to confirm it with His Word. Search for Scriptures that connect with your chosen word. If your word is peace, you might meditate on Philippians 4:6–7. If it’s faithfulness, reflect on Galatians 6:9. Write those verses in your journal and pray over them. Ask God to give you confirmation and peace before committing to your word.

Step 5: Make It Part of Your Daily Life

Once you’ve chosen your word, keep it visible! Here are some ways to weave your Word of the Year into your daily routine:

Write it on a sticky note and place it on your mirror or computer.
Create a lock screen with your word and Scripture.
Journal about it weekly - how are you seeing God move through this theme?
Share it with a trusted friend or small group for accountability.

Your word isn’t meant to sit quietly in your notebook, it’s meant to shape your perspective all year long.

Word of the Year Ideas for Christian Women

If you’re still unsure where to start, here are some faith-centered word ideas that may spark inspiration:

Remember, your word doesn’t have to sound “big” or impressive. Often, God uses simple words to do the deepest work.

Journaling Prompts for Choosing Your Word of the Year

Grab your journal and ask God to meet you in this moment. Use these prompts to guide your reflection:

What am I craving most in this season - spiritually, emotionally, or physically?
What word describes how I want to feel or accomplish this year?
What do I sense God inviting me to focus on?
What Scripture or phrase has been standing out to me lately?
How do I want to grow in my relationship with God this year?

If journaling feels overwhelming, remember that this isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. God will meet you in the process. And if you’d love a little extra guidance or inspiration, visit my Journaling Store, where you’ll find faith-based journals, printable prompts, and tools to help you stay consistent and connected with God throughout the year.

Final Thoughts: Lead from a Place of Overflow

When you choose your Word of the Year with God, it becomes more than a yearly goal; it becomes a heart posture. You stop striving for achievement and start living from alignment. You begin working, creating, and leading from a place of overflow where your inner life with God fuels your outer work.

If you’re ready to go deeper into this kind of peace-filled, purpose-led living, I created Lead from the Overflow, a faith-driven course designed to help Christian women like you align your work, wellness, and walk with God.

Inside the course, you’ll learn how to: