A Word for the Year
As the new year begins I often choose a word for the year. More often than not I have forgotten what I chose by the middle of March! This year however I am hoping it sticks as it seems to be a really good word.
After pondering options during the month of December, I went through all the “normal” words: peace, joy, love, kindness, hope and more. They were all good words. Yet nothing seemed to stick. Finally one word hit me, popping up again and again. At first it seemed a bit of an odd word to select. Yet the more I mulled it over, the more sticky it felt. I finally decided this would be my 2026 word.
Even so, I was reluctant to share it with others or even say it out loud. By mid-January I stepped out of my comfort zone and finally share my selection with my husband: contentment. His reaction was kind and thoughtful. He did however seem a bit intrigued by my choice.
Over time, as I reflected and responded to situations, I found that contentment could only be achieved when tapping into the teachings of Jesus. In moments of stress, I found myself thinking “contentment” which then quickly rolled to recounting the blessing of the situation and then to the peacefulness of those listed blessings. From there my thoughts quickly went to reminding myself that “God’s got this.” and wondering how He’d be using the situation for His good. And when the stressors seemed to big to wrap my head around I’d remind myself that “In the end Jesus wins.”
I found myself subconsciously smiling and noticed that the butterflies of my stomach were nowhere to be found. I would recount a challenging situation that I had worked my way through and to my surprise I was amazingly calm and was able to respond without frustration or irritation. This was not my normal self! This was nothing less than the Biblical promise found in Philippians 4:7,
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I could not explain this change other then through the thought process initiated by my 2026 word of the year. Ultimately it goes beyond handling stressful and challenging situations.
As often as possible, my sister and I read a daily devotional with my teenage great niece and great nephew who live in another state. I like to think that we read with them for their benefit, but in reality it is another way God taps on my shoulder and points me to what I need to hear. Recently though one of the readings I was reminded of another promise from Jesus. This one is less settling and is found in John 16:33b,
“In this world you will have trouble.”
He did not say:
- maybe
- sometimes
- when there is sin
- when a Ten Commandment is broken
Jesus uses the word “will”. Without a doubt there will be trouble.
What then follows in 33c is this promise:
“But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This is a promise for now and forever. What other words could possibly lead more directly to contentment?
So what is your word for 2026? You too can you find a word that will make a difference in your day and draw you closer to Jesus. If you have not chosen one yet this year, it’s not too late!
JW