Growing up, I had those friends who chose their "word of the year." They'd get so giddy decorating their notebooks, to-do lists, and even outfits to match this theme. Honestly, I didn't understand the hype. By February 1st, I knew most of them would give up and throw in the towel, vowing to try again next year.
But this year, in 2025, I saw something different. A few weeks ago, I was listening to my dear friend Moncia Kirkland's podcast. She talked about the word "new" and how God's definition of that word looked nothing like what she thought it would in her life.
Monica is one of the most authentic prayer warriors I've ever met. And unlike those friends from high school or even early college, when she picks a word, she's prayerful, dedicated, and faithful. Choosing a word of the year is effective for her because it focuses her year, but more so, it's effective because she holds open hands to what the Lord might speak to her.
Choosing a word of the year is popular in Christian and secular circles alike. It reflects major cultural shifts and involves choosing a word or phrase that captures the essence of what the next year may hold. For Christians, they ask the Lord to give them this word and then fulfill its purpose in their lives over the next 365 days. It resonates during seasons of transition, particularly December to January, because it's an opportunity for newness and strong beginnings. But what if choosing your word of the year became less about a word and more about releasing control?
Trusting God’s Timing Means Letting Go of Control
In the Scriptures, we see that naming seasons can be helpful. The Israelites walked through wilderness seasons, but eventually made it to the Promised Land. Adam and Eve were born into Creation, but after the fall, they had to face a sinful world of destruction and disobedience. The book of Revelation speaks of seasons that will happen, but have not yet come forth. Seasons are a part of life. They are inevitable. We will all experience them. But when we do, naming them and not controlling can actually help us release what we've been gripping so tightly.
In Proverbs 16:9, we read these words: "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps" (NLT). I memorized this verse as a child because it reminded me of two things: 1. God has good plans for me, and 2. Even if I mess up, He will fulfill those plans for me (Isaiah 46:10).
Sometimes, we like to choose a word of the year because we want to prophesy what will happen next in our lives. We want success, money, dreams, a spouse, you name it. But friends, only if God builds the house, will it stand strong. In other words, only if God gives you that Word will it come to fruition. Because he knows what we need when we need it best. Not the other way around.
If you're anything like me, this can cause a bit of anxiety. I want to know the plan and the word now, like ASAP, and how it will turn out! But that's not how our God works, friends. He's patient, and His timing is right for His will in our lives.
How to Discern Your Word Prayerfully
If you're looking to choose a word of the year for 2026, might I encourage a few guidelines:
1. Ask the Lord to give you your word and spend time praying over what you discern. Give yourself ample time to do this and ask the Lord to make the word clear.
2. Listen more than you speak. It's okay to talk to God. You should! But remember to listen. Stop striving and hear Him carefully.
3. If you're struggling to hear a Word, ask friends and family to pray for you. He might just speak through them to you.
4. Read Scripture and ask the Lord to speak. Sit in silence for as long as you can and sit in a posture of humble surrender, ready to receive whatever He has in store.
According to Abide Magazine, choosing a word of the year doesn’t have to be overwhelming or fear-inducing if you have the right motivations and heart. But what’s the number one way to choose a word and stick to it? “Letting God show you a Word for the Year through prayer and scripture reading is the best course of action.”
Allowing God to choose your word for you does three things:
1. It removes the pressure off of yourself.
2. It hands control over to God.
3. It offers humble creativity to however the Lord might speak to you in the new year.
Seeking God for a word for the year also helps us to wait expectantly for God to do good things in our lives. It creates utter dependence on Him, and just as Psalm 37:4 notes, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (NIV). Again, these desires should align with His will, but it isn't wrong to share these desires with Him, even when you are choosing a word to focus on.
Just like New Year's Resolutions, we can be quick to read our Bible more, or choose a word and move on. Or forget about it a month later. But hear me out: This is an opportunity to align your heart with the Lord's and shift our eyes to healthier and more heavenly perspectives.
As Fully Loved writes, "Choosing a word for the year gives us a foundation for knowing and seeking God more. When I pick up a book called ‘Joy,’ I anticipate the book to be about joy. When my word for the year is ‘Joy,’ I anticipate opportunities for God to reveal and teach me about his joy."
So, should you choose a word of the year? I suppose it depends on your motives. If you're ready to stand before the Lord with open hands, no matter what He might speak, then absolutely. But if you think choosing a word will wave some magical wand on what will happen in your life, then probably not. We must have proper motivations when coming to the Lord, even when it comes to focusing on a word for the year. And yes, you and the Lord can have the same word in mind. But be sure to keep your mind and expectations open.
A Prayer for Direction in the New Year
Dear Jesus,
Choosing a word of the year can feel scary and overwhelming. We like to be in control and know what will happen next. While we can't predict the future, we can choose to focus and fix our gaze on you. If you want to give us a word this year, do so. We humbly surrender and are ready for however that word might show up in our lives. Please speak to us, Jesus. We are desperate and longing to hear your sweet voice of wisdom. We are your sheep, ready to hear your voice. When you speak, we will listen and obey. We love, praise, thank, and trust you, Jesus.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Oleksandra Yagello
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