Happy New Year! Before January slips on by, I want to document my words for this year. I don’t always choose a word, but these words became very clear to me as I read the Christmas story often in December and listened to advent podcasts.
Might & Reticence.
In my reading of The Christmas Story and stories around that part of scripture in Luke, I came across the word MIGHT.
Mary used this word in her Magnificat to describe the deeds of God…”For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name…He has done mighty deeds with His arm.” Some of the mighty deeds include: scattering the proud, bringing down rulers, exalting the humble, filling the hungry with good things, sending away rich empty-handed and giving help to Israel.
Zacharias, when he can speak again, says God has visited and accomplished redemption, He has raised up a horn of salvation, spoken through prophets about deliverance, rescued Israel from enemies and kept His promises. A Mighty God indeed.
Then there is John who says, “As for me, I baptize with water, but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Isaiah 9:6, years before Jesus was born, prophesied, “He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.”
I read an article by Tanner Swanson from desiringgod.com entitled “Marvel in the Manger.” She zeroed in on John and his magnifying of the might of Jesus. John could have used many words to describe Jesus, yet he chose the word “might.” Jesus, born as a baby into this world, is indeed mighty in every way. As Tanner so eloquently describes this might, “It’s the kind of power that is able to endure bouts with Satan and display divine glory.” The Son was God Almighty from the beginning, as we can read in John 1:1. He is and has always been mighty and dwelling on this characteristic of Jesus at Christmas was impactful. Especially as I looked at the smallest piece in every nativity—baby Jesus, Mighty God.
So one of my words for this coming year is MIGHT. The Might of God in my life, in my husband’s life, in each of my kids’ lives, in my circumstances, in my church, in every purpose He has planned for me this year. He is more than able to accomplish anything He wants in every life, in every situation.
The second word is RETICENCE. What is reticence exactly? Webster defines it as, “not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily.” It is rooted in a strong sense of personal boundaries and helps one become a good listener. After all, you can’t listen if you’re revealing your thoughts and feelings readily. Some synonyms for reticence include: reserved, withdrawn, restrained, inhibited, shrinking, uncommunicative, unforthcoming, tight-lipped, quiet, silent, private, mum—and my personal favorite— wouldn’t say boo to a goose.
I am certain that if I rightly view the might of God, I will be MUCH slower to reveal my thoughts and feelings at every turn. My perspective of the might of God, His activity and work of His Spirit would give me great pause before I weigh in on every situation. This is a way I can participate with God this year. Look to Him and know His might. Surely this will be the guard over my mouth that I need.
The Lord brought John 3:30 to mind as I was journaling through these two words. And I can’t think of a better one to describe the juxtaposition between these words.
“He must increase; I must decrease.”
Other verses that helped me process reticence were I Samuel 2:13: “Talk much no more so very proudly; Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth.”
Ok, then. Tell me how you really feel.
And Isaiah 57:19b-21 which compares the wicked to the tossing sea, “for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud…there is no peace for the wicked.” Yikes. Lord, hold me back from being like a tossing sea that cannot be quiet but instead spews forth garbage and messes.
If these truths aren’t enough to move me to “not say boo to a goose,” then I am not sure what will.
Lord, You are mighty. There is none like You! As I dwell on this fact and remember Your works in my life and in Your creation, I pray it will quiet my heart and my mouth. Hold me back from spewing thoughts and feelings recklessly. In 2025, I am asking that You would increase in my life, and I would decrease. Only You can do this. Help me trust You more and more! Amen.