My word for 2017 is yield. I don’t choose the word on my own. Usually, in October I start thinking about what the word will be and sometime in December a word just jumps out at me. It comes to me from what I read, conversations, and prayer. Most often the word that comes is not one that I am happy about. They are always a challenge and yield is no different. The words for 2015 and 2016 were patience and change. I wasn’t happy with those words either but I see now how they were preparing me for yield.
The definition of yield is:
to give up or surrender to a superior power or authority, to give as due or required, to 
relinquish or resign to, submit to
When it became apparent that yield is the word for this year I talked to Jesus about it. Truthfully, I argued and debated with Him against the word. And I complained about it. As always He listened patiently but then He sent me to 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
What is more pleasing to the LORD:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
I am a stubborn person. I like to have and do things my way. I want to be solely in charge of my life. See the difficulty I have with yield? One word for me is proud. I am not happy (or proud) to write that word to describe me but when I see what yield means and what I am the only conclusion is proud. This is what Jesus had to say about it sending me to Micah 6:8
…the LORD has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
See that word humbly? I have some work to do!
I know Jesus will be patient and compassionate (as He always is) when I talk to Him about this yield thing. And I do understand why I have been given this particular word. Still not happy about it, though.
There is a definition of yield other than the one I have shared here that I believe I will realize once I get the first working in my head and heart. I will tell you about it Thursday.
Blessings this day of grace,
Scripture from NLT
Yield Is the perfect word for the political process that is going on in our nation right at this moment. I really enjoy the way you and the Lord go back and forth on some of these issues, if we would just consult with what Jesus would have us do in his word it would be kind like heaven on earth possibly. About the word yield it is a word that is going to be put into use in Washington on a constant use basis I am hoping. It is the only way this country can move forward from the hole we dug ourselves into. As for politicians to yield to each other share each other’s knowledge and ideas and solutions, then yield to the best solution possible for the people of the country. Thank you again for your great post
For politicians, or anyone, to yield means to aside pride and selfishness. It’s not an easy thing to do and not something many are willing to do.
Like you, I am willful and proud, stubborn about doing things my way. I feel secure when I am in control, and even as I write that I have to smile at the inaccuracy of it. When I am in control nothing is secure and typically nothing works out well. Surrender… yielding to the One who knows what I need and what is best for me, that’s going to take more work, but I am listening and learning, and I know that what you share will benefit me too. Thank you!
Why is it that we feel secure relying on ourselves alone? And why is it hard to surrender to the One who has only love for us? I have a lot to learn!
God bless you as you yield your heart and mind to Him in 2017! I do love how He picks out words for us . . .ones we would not pick for ourselves. . .and then grows us into them throughout the year. :). Mine is very similar to yours! A laid down life. :). Thank you for sharing and encouraging me!
I like “and then grows us into them”. That is exactly what happens. Yes, your is like mine…a laid down life is one that yields.