Episode 30: Hearing God at the Turn of the Year
Listening for the Word God Is Speaking Now
Episode 30 of the Rooted for Growth Podcast
There’s something about this time of year that feels quieter… even if life itself doesn’t slow down.
The space between Christmas and the New Year often carries a strange mix of emotions. Gratitude for what was. Relief that some things are over. Uncertainty about what’s coming next. For many of us, it’s a season where we instinctively start asking deeper questions.
What is God doing in my life right now?
What is He inviting me into next?
And am I even quiet enough to hear Him?
In this week’s episode of Rooted for Growth, we talk about the practice of listening for the word God is speaking now. Not as a resolution. Not as a goal to accomplish. But as an invitation to slow down and pay attention.
Why a Single Word Matters
Years ago, I was introduced to the idea of asking God for one word to guide the year ahead. At first, it felt almost too simple. How could one word carry enough meaning to shape an entire season?
But over time, I’ve learned that God often works through simplicity. A single word can become a lens. A compass. A gentle nudge that keeps drawing your heart back to what matters most.
Scripture reminds us that God’s voice is not always loud or dramatic.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, KJV).
Stillness is often where clarity begins.
Listening Instead of Forcing
One of the biggest shifts we talk about in this episode is moving from trying to decide what the next season should look like… to listening for what God is already saying.
Many of us approach the new year with pressure. Pressure to fix things. Improve things. Become a better version of ourselves overnight. But listening requires something different. It requires presence. Patience. Trust.
God doesn’t rush His children. He invites them close.
Sometimes the word He gives is about growth.
Sometimes it’s about rest.
Sometimes it’s about healing, courage, surrender, or faithfulness.
The word isn’t about performance. It’s about alignment.
A Simple Rhythm for This Season
This practice has become a yearly rhythm for me, especially during this quieter window at the end of the year. It’s a time to reflect honestly on what’s been… and to ask God, with open hands, what He wants me to carry forward.
If you’ve been feeling unsettled, uncertain, or simply tired, that may be your cue. Not to strive harder… but to listen more closely.
Free Devotional: Word for Your Season
To support this process, I’ve created a free five-day devotional called Word for Your Season.
This devotional is designed to help you:
Slow down and breathe
Reflect on the season you’re coming out of
Create intentional space to hear God’s voice
Discern a word that can guide your next season
It’s simple. Gentle. And meant to be done without pressure.
You can sign up for the free devotional here:
👉 https://whitmancollective.com/signup/
(No overwhelm… just space to listen.)
🎧 Listen Now
You can listen to Episode 30: Listening for the Word God Is Speaking Now on the Rooted for Growth podcast.
Whether you’re walking, journaling, or sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, my hope is that this episode helps you slow down enough to notice what God may already be whispering.
You don’t have to have everything figured out.
You just have to be willing to listen.
🎙️ Listen here:
