Abide: When a Word for the Year Becomes a Way of Life

Last week, Lyndsay shared that her word for 2026 is Slow. Knowing Lyndsay as I do, I’d say that’s right on par for her—and a reiteration of truth Abba has been working into her heart for quite some time now. And knowing Lyndsay as I do, I’ll be more than happy to help remind her of that this year as we do life together (because Lyndsay knows me, hears my voice as she reads this, and is smiling).

This is part of the joy of community and friendship—helping one another stay accountable to what we believe we’ve been led into by the One who knows us best and loves us most.

Now, about this whole word of the year thing… do you have one? Because I didn’t. At least, not at first.

As several friends shared their words, I asked the Lord what word He might have for me. My first thought was, “How about all those words in the Bible you already know and aren’t fully living out yet?” To be clear, that was my sarcastic self—not the voice of the Lord. He is, thankfully, far kinder to me than I am to myself.

That inner exchange did send me down a rabbit trail, though. Apparently, the word of the year trend really took off in Christian culture around 2010 as a response to New Year’s resolutions and hustle culture—shifting instead toward contemplative spirituality and intentional discipleship practices. Thank you, ChatGPT.

So no, it’s not a foundational practice handed down from our forefathers. But it did get me wondering what some of our Bible friends’ words might have been.

Trust. Wait. Believe. Endure. Courage. Hope.

Honestly? Not all that different from what you or I might hear.

Their circumstances were different—and also the same. They were humans with souls and struggles and worries and weaknesses, serving the same God we serve. A God who is faithful, merciful, kind, and far more gracious and loving than we deserve.

So here’s the takeaway.

If you feel like the Lord gives you a word for the year—awesome. Most likely, it’s something He’s already been working into your heart and simply wants to bring into clearer focus over the next 365… or 730… or 1,825 days (because some things take longer than one trip around the sun).

And if you haven’t heard a word yet—or don’t even want to ask because it feels like one more thing to focus on when you already have enough—also awesome. Your Abba is more than capable of revealing exactly what you need, exactly when you need it, as you seek Him daily.

Side note: Abide.

That’s the word I’ve landed on. Not because it’s new, but because it’s necessary. It’s an area He continually draws my attention back to, again and again.

I don’t know if abide is a specific invitation for this year or simply the continuation of unfinished work—but I do know this: I must abide in Him as much as I possibly can. For me, the reminder to abide instead of trying to control is still very much a work in progress.

I’m not sure what day we’re on now—but He’s not finished yet.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”

— John 15:4

Not just a word for the year.

A posture for a lifetime.