Settle. The word came unbidden in answer to a request: “What would you like us to pray for you?” It became my One Word for 2025.

Meaning of Settle

The dictionary meaning of settle takes on many nuances. The following three most closely match the context in which I have adopted the word for this year:

1. to come to rest;
2. to become fixed, resolved, or established;
3. to become quiet or orderly

Since Mom died suddenly in May 2023 and then Dad a few short months later, I’ve felt aimless, lacking focus and deep-seated joy. I’ve continued to do what I’m supposed to. I’ve cared for my family, gone out occasionally, and kept writing. I even traveled to Greece with my husband on a wonderful adventure.

Still, restlessness has followed me. It’s kept me from engaging joyfully and fully in my activities and has messed with my contentment. I’m tired of that and desire to settle into what God has for me. I want to rest in Him; to become fixed and resolved on His plan; to become quiet and secure in His love and sovereignty.

I know all I long for, the Lord possesses and desires to give to me.  But I have to receive them. So, I created an acrostic using the word SETTLE to remind me to rest in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. Maybe it will help you as well.

Settle Acrostic

Seek God daily

The Lord is the source of all good things. He delivers them to us as we spend time with Him. When we sit with Him daily in His Word, in prayer, in song, and in praise and thanksgiving, we will reap the rewards.

Expect Him to act

God is always working in our lives, and He always knows what we need. When we expect Him to act in our lives, we can quit striving to maintain control and find peace.

Trust His plan is best

God perfectly loves us. Everything He does is for our best, even if we can’t understand how it can be. When we trust Him with our lives, we can be content, whatever the situation.

Tackle the next step

Trusting God, we step out in faith, doing the next thing. God will illuminate each step. When we move forward in faith, we experience feelings of purpose and meaning.

Let go of expectations of outcomes

Our responsibility is obedience. The outcome of that obedience is God’s business. When we let go of our expectations, we begin to believe in possibilities among the impossible.

Enjoy the journey

The Lord created us for joy but at times it flickers and wavers. The Word of God rekindles it. When we sit with God and His Word, we will find joy in the journey, no matter what we face.

Be Settled

Don’t let life unsettle you. God has it under control. Abide with Him regularly and experience all He has for you for this journey. You won’t be disappointed. Here’s to being settled on God and His Word.

“I have set the Lord always before me;
    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8 ESV). 

Father, keep me in Your presence throughout my earthly pilgrimage, that I may have peace, joy, and contentment on this journey and come to the fullness of my salvation in heaven, through Jesus Christ, my resurrected Lord. Amen.

Reflections: Have you adopted one word for 2025? If so, tell us why you chose that word. What do you think about my word?