A new year, a new word...

January 2, 2023

I am one of those people who pick a word at the close of one year to meditate on in the new year. I always pray about what this word should be, and sometimes I feel a definitive direct answer from the LORD about it. Sometimes I hear nothing and pick to the best of my ability. This year I am absolutely convinced I was led to the word *ponder* for 2023.

Ponder is a verb. It requires action. When used as a transitive verb, it means to weigh in the mind, to think about, to reflect on. As an intransitive verb, it means to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply. (Webster Dictionary) I fear this careful action of contemplation before action of word or deed is sadly absent in today’s society. Social media has allowed us (me included) to react immediately and blabber our feelings to the world in ways we previously would not have imagined. This has become such the norm that now we feel entitled to spout our emotions everywhere in often disastrous ways. By choosing to “pause to ponder,” I pray I will be reminded that my words have the power of life and death. (Prov.18:20-21)

Inspiration

The inspiration to choose this word arose from my advent studies this year. In Luke 2:19 we read that “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” What were all these words? They were mainly the words and prophecies of the LORD, joined with all her experiences since the Annunciation. (Lk.1:26-38) We know her first reaction was to be troubled, and it says she “tried to discern” what was happening. The Greek verb used is διελογίζετο, which means to discern, to reason, to consider, or to discuss. That sounds like pondering. Can you imagine?

Many unkind words and looks were surely pointed at Mary in the months that proceeded. She knew she had absolutely heard from the LORD. She was swelling with the proof! But she learned, as many of us do today, that hearing from the LORD about something does not guarantee smooth sailing from that point on. How should we hold these truths together?

We pause to ponder.

Like Mary, we first must *treasure* the words of the LORD to us. I believe the primary way the LORD speaks to us is through Scripture, although I also know deeply that the Holy Spirit does speak to us inwardly as well. Pondering must begin with treasuring. I must continue to make deep study of Scripture an integral part of each day. I also believe that scheduling times of prayer and silence before the LORD are other ways to practice treasuring and pondering what the LORD speaks.

Mary would also have been remembering her visit with Elizabeth, and the blessing that Elizabeth spoke over her. In the midst of her unwed pregnancy, that blessing would have been such a balm to Mary’s weary soul. Mary immediately reacts in praise to the LORD as she sings the Magnificat. (Lk. 1:46-55) Notice how Mary is declaring that the Lord has accomplished all these things, not just that he will in the future like many prophecies do.

Magnificat

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm; the has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Mary would also have been pondering Joseph’s words that we never get to hear. And imagine the impact of the heavenly host giving glory to God in an awesome cosmological way, juxtaposed with the sweetness of the praise the lowly shepherds had given.

She treasured and pondered all of these things. Scripture doesn’t even record more of Mary’s words until much later.

What next…

I have decided to start publishing my ponderings, and I pray that some will chose to enter into some of these ideas with me. I have had an extremely difficult last few years, and I think I am ready to start sharing more about that. I entered seminary to study theology at the age of 48, and pondering Scripture and deep theological questions has become like air to breathe for me. I am still struggling to this day with both physical and mental health issues, but I feel that being vulnerable about our struggles is where we find strength together in community.

I hope you will join me.

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