The Word

 

A few years ago, I challenged my staff at the beginning of the year to select a word that they were going to focus on for the year.  Each of them selected a great word to be their driving force as the year unfolded.  There were times throughout the year that we would go back to those words for guidance.

When we turn the calendar page on the new year, there are many expectations we can set for ourselves.  As the days and weeks progress throughout the year, we can easily lose our focus in achieving these expectations.  Many times, this can be reflective of lack of time and energy.

Selecting a word for focus can drive actions, incorporating our time and energy.  I don’t know about you, but selecting just one word can be difficult.  There are many words I would like to be my driving force.  Friends, let us not forget the blog post from a couple of weeks ago – our goal for self-improvement needs to begin with the One who made us, God.  If we spend time reflecting in His Word, I believe that we will find the word we need to be our ‘front and center’ for 2026.

My mother had many favorite Bible verses, but this one always rose to the top.  I have to share; it is one of my favorites as well.  It is the verse that I keep at the forefront, realizing that the plans that Jesus has for me will always bring me closer to who I should be in Him.  His plans are never to bring harm, but hope.  As we round out our focus this month on how to face 2026, I am going to challenge all of us to open our Bibles and chat with Jesus.  Ask Him where the focus should be for you in this new year. 

God may be sharing that it is time to have true FAITH in Him and Him alone.  Is it time to SURRENDER all your sins and not take them back from Jesus?  Jesus may be helping you to gain the COURAGE to move forward in your life, to achieve His plan.  Whatever may speak to you, find the verses that can help to lift you up on this 2026-word journey.  Write them on cards and put them in places where you can see them every day.  Make them the screen saver on your devices. 

Don’t forget to find a way to hold yourself accountable.  Sharing your word journey with a friend is always helpful.  Spend time journaling on the progress you have made with your word.  Bring your word and your actions to Jesus in prayer and listen to what He has to say to you.  We can do this, friends!  I’m challenging myself as well.  Feel free to share your word with me – I’d love to hear the power of Jesus in action! 

Let us have the simple faith that Jesus will set our plans to His desires.  He will walk beside us as we walk in His journey.

Video that complements this post:  The Word

Dearest Jesus, thank you for setting our plan for us.  Help us to identify the direction you want for us and continue to walk with us as we do Your will and walk in Your way.  Amen!