After prayerful consideration, my Word for 2017 is THRIVE. Isn’t that great?

Dictionary.com has two definitions for thrive.
1. to prosper; be fortunate or successful
2. to grow or develop vigorously; flourish

Though I would like to be successful, the first definition is not really what I am wanting. After last year’s word of SURRENDER, the word Thrive excites me. There is a sense of expectancy and action. Growth and potential. It is a word that can bring power, don’t you think?

I want to thrive in faith, in my relationships, in church, at work, in my art and in my writing. I want to grow and flourish in every area of my life.

I’ve been searching through scripture for verses that talk about thriving. I’ll be sharing more verses later, but here is the verse that says it the best.

John 8:12 in The Voice says:

“I am the light that shines through the cosmos. If you walk with me, you will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life and will not know darkness.” (Jesus speaking)

If we walk with Jesus, staying in step with Him through whatever situations we are in, we will thrive. There is action involved. We are to actively take the steps needed to stay in relationship with the One who is the light of the universe. We don’t just wait around and expect Jesus to hit us over the head with His will. We are to pursue Him…know Him better…see Him at work around us and join Him in that work.

Jesus says we will thrive in the nourishing light that gives life. Gives me chills just thinking about it. Just as the sun causes the plants of the ground to grow and flourish, Jesus…when we stay close to Him…gives us the nourishment we need to live…to thrive…in this world. We grow, becoming more like Him, and gain true life saturated by His light.

This how I really want to thrive this year. I want to grow wildly and abundantly in love with Jesus.

Do you have a Word for the year? Or are you more of a New Year Resolution kind of person? I’d love to hear!