Anchored in the Word: Choosing Your Scripture Focus for 2025

As we step into the new year, there’s a sense of excitement that comes with fresh starts—a clean slate, full of potential. It’s the perfect time to pause and think about what really matters, to realign your focus, and to center your heart on God’s truth.

One of the best ways to stay grounded in faith throughout the year is by choosing a scripture to focus on—a verse that speaks to your heart and feels like it was meant for this season of your life. From that scripture, you can draw a word to carry with you through the year, something simple yet powerful that will shape your perspective as you face whatever 2025 holds.

This practice isn’t about adding another task to your list or striving for perfection. It’s about giving your heart a place to land, a truth to hold onto, and a fresh way to stay connected to God in the everyday moments. Whether you’re stepping into this year with hope or hesitation, this could be the reset your soul needs. Let’s explore how to make it happen.

Step 1: Seek and Reflect

Start by spending time in prayer, asking God to highlight a scripture for the year. Listen to what stirs in your heart. Maybe you’ve been drawn to a particular verse recently, or perhaps there’s a theme you sense God leading you toward—like trust, hope, or courage. Once you’ve found your scripture, sit with it. Let its truth soak into your spirit.

Step 2: Choose Your Word

As you reflect on your chosen verse, ask yourself: What word stands out to me? Is there a single word that speaks directly to your spirit and the season you’re in? For example, if your verse is Isaiah 41:10 (“Do not fear, for I am with you…”), your word might be “Fearless.” If it’s Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”), your word might be “Strength” or “Empowered.” Let this word become a personal anthem for your year.

Step 3: Explore Your Verse

Dive deeper into your guiding scripture by reading it in different Bible translations. Versions like the NIV, ESV, The Message, or Amplified Bible can offer fresh insights and nuances. Consider writing or typing your verse using different colors, fonts, or styles. Create a visually appealing card or graphic that you can display on your desk, mirror, or phone. The process of engaging with God’s Word creatively can help you internalize it in a meaningful way.

Step 4: Memorize and Meditate

Just as Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19), commit your scripture to memory and hold it close. Let it guide your decisions, encourage you in hard times, and remind you of God’s promises. Meditate on your verse throughout the year by repeating it during quiet moments, journaling about its relevance, or praying through its truths.

Step 5: Live Out Your Word

Your chosen word isn’t just a theme; it’s a call to action. If your word is “Faith,” challenge yourself to take steps of faith in 2025. If it’s “Joy,” look for ways to embrace joy in your daily life. Reflect regularly on how your word is shaping your perspective and how your guiding scripture is influencing your walk with God.

A Personal Example

Last year, my focus scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” My word for the year was “Trust.” Each time I faced uncertainty, I returned to that word and verse, reminding myself to lean into God’s wisdom rather than my own. By the end of the year, I could see how God used that simple focus to deepen my faith and clarify my path.

This year, I am gravitating to Psalms 119:105: “Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Interestingly, both this scripture and my guiding verse from last year reference paths. I find this intriguing and feel inspired to explore the concept of paths in scripture on a deeper level. I’m also praying through which word will be my focus word for 2025. Words like "Light," "Guide," or even a variation of the two resonate with me. We’ll see what “shines” through as I continue this prayerful process!

Ready to Choose Your Word?

If you’re ready to start, here’s a simple prayer to guide you:

Heavenly Father, as I step into this new year, I want to anchor myself in Your Word. Please reveal a scripture that speaks to my heart and a word that will inspire and guide me throughout 2025. Help me to live out Your truth and walk in step with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Share Your Word and Scripture

We’d love to hear what verse and word God places on your heart for 2025! Feel free to share in the comments or with a friend, so they can encourage you and hold you accountable. Let’s journey together as we step into this new year, anchored in God’s promises and filled with hope for what’s to come.

Until next time, may God’s Word guide your steps, and may your chosen scripture and word be a source of strength and inspiration throughout 2025. Let’s walk this journey of faith together, anchored in His promises.

Blessings,

Janice

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