Four Wise W’s for 2025

TRUTH TALK Insight: Proverbs 16:3

Confirmation to My Heart

Wise King Solomon said in Proverbs 16:3,

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established (ESV).

When I attended the Christmas service at Shadow Mountain Community Church, I smiled a huge smile when Dr. Jeremiah spoke to us about the people who forgot to celebrate the birth of Jesus at His coming, and then three ways we can remember to celebrate His birth.

The three ways all began with the letter “W.”

I smiled because only a few weeks earlier—thinking about my “focus” word for 2025—I chose four words, not one. Pastor’s message felt like confirmation to my heart.

My first three words were the same as Pastor Dave’s—wonder, worship, and witness. But my list of W’s included one more: “watch.”

I thought through these words one night when I could not sleep. I didn’t want to waste time, so I jotted down my words and what they meant to me.

I knew (from past experience) the importance of intentionality in setting worthwhile goals. I asked God for some scriptures to memorize in 2025 that would cement my focus. I wanted to “walk in wisdom.”

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time . . . understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV).

My Four Motivating W’s

1. WONDER — Notice big and little things that help me marvel over who God is and what He has done for us (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 19:1).

2. WORSHIP — Offer praise flowing from wonder, recognizing that Father God is good and faithful and that Jesus is worthy of our worship (Psalm 29:2; 95:6; 100:1-5; 145:2; Ephesians 1:3; Hebrews 15:13; Revelation 4:11; 5:12).

3. WITNESS — Tell others what the Father has done for us in sending the Savior, and how God has changed our lives in Christ (1 John 4:14; Acts 4:12; Psalm 66:16; 105:2).

4. WATCH — Live with Eternity in mind, remembering that Jesus is coming again (Matthew 24:42; John 14:3; Titus 2:13).

Thinking of these words is one thing; practicing them is another. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, I want to end 2025 in better shape spiritually—more mature and more in tune with God—than I’ll begin the year. 

Is that your goal too?

What is your word (or phrase, or something else) that will motivate spiritual growth in your life for God’s glory in 2025?

Dawn Wilson, the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, is the creator of Truth Talk with Dawn. She is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. Dawn’s co-authored book is Truth Talk for Hurting Hearts: Discover Peace and Comfort Through God’s Perspective. She and her husband live in sunny Southern California. They have two grown, married sons and three granddaughters she affectionately calls her “kiddles.”

[The graphic is from elements on Pixabay, a clipart vector and background design.]