There’s something sacred about standing at the threshold of a new year. As a young woman, I regularly itemized my highs and lows of the past twelve months and set specific goals for the coming year.
Like the Israelites at the Jordan River, we face unknown territory ahead. It’s full of promise, but requires courage and intentionality to make progress. As I write this, I’m thinking about how quickly last year passed and how easily our best intentions can slip away if we don’t anchor them in something eternal.
Paul understood this tension between time and eternity. He wrote, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). That phrase “making the best use of the time” literally means “buying back the opportunity.” What if 2026 could be the year we truly redeemed our time for Kingdom purposes?
- Root your plans in prayer, not just productivity.
Before filling your calendar, fill your heart with God’s presence. Ann Voskamp wisely reminds us, “The only way to fight a feeling is with a feeling—with something stronger, truer, deeper.” That something is intimacy with Jesus. Set aside time each morning, even ten minutes, to read Scripture and listen before you leap into your to-do list. Plans rooted in prayer bear fruit that lasts.
- Choose one word to define your year.
Instead of creating overwhelming resolutions, select one word to guide your decisions. Peace. Faithfulness. Courage. Joy. My word for this year is TIME. I’ve lived most of my life in a hurry, with a to-do list that is so long, it’s almost impossible to finish. This year, as one of my sisters continues to battle stage 4 pancreatic cancer, I don’t want to overschedule my life. Instead of setting too many strategic goals for ministry/business progress, I want to measure the success of the coming year in time spent with people I love. I want to love God and love people well. When circumstances threaten to derail you, return to your word. Priscilla Shirer says, “When you don’t know what to do, do what you know.” Your word of the year gives helpful direction.
- Build margin for what matters most.
Lysa TerKeurst writes, “We aren’t called to be busy. We’re called to be faithful.” Look honestly at your calendar. What drains you without producing lasting fruit? What activities crowd out time with God, meaningful conversations, or rest? Jesus regularly withdrew from crowds to pray (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed margin, so do we. Schedule white space as carefully as you schedule commitments.
- Invest in relationships that point people to Jesus.
Life is measured not in accomplishments but in relationships that reflect Christ’s love. Who in your circle needs encouragement? Who would benefit from mentoring? Christine Caine challenges us: “Don’t just stand there; do something! Don’t just do something; stand there!” Sometimes the most significant thing we can do is simply to be present—bringing meals, sending uplifting texts, praying before you end a phone call. Let 2026 be marked by intentional connection.
- Give your gifts away freely.
God has uniquely equipped you for Kingdom work. Romans 12:6 says, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” Your writing, teaching, hospitality, creativity, administrative skills—these aren’t just talents; they’re spiritual gifts meant to build up the body of Christ. Without waiting for permission or perfection, start serving where you are with what you have.
Your Next Step
Before this week ends, write down one specific, measurable way you’ll implement one of these principles. Not vague wishes but concrete actions. Will you choose your one word? Will you reach out to someone who needs encouragement?
Psalm 90:12 offers this beautiful prayer: “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Friend, you currently have 359 days left in this year. Each one is a gift, an opportunity to draw closer to Jesus and reflect His love to a watching world.
Don’t let 2026 be just another year that slips by. Make it count for eternity.
Let’s encourage each other: Share your word for the year in the comments, along with one specific action you’re committing to. I’ll be reading every response and cheering you on.
Do you choose a word of year? Here is a free 12-Day Devotional Journey to give direction to choose your word or confirm the word you have already chosen.
Every year, as one year closes and another begins, I return to the same place. Not to a planner. Not to a list of goals. But to a book that has quietly shaped my faith more than any other outside of Scripture: The Pursuit of God.
Years ago, I realized something important: I didn’t want to choose a word for the year—I wanted to receive one. So now, every year, I read The Pursuit of God slowly and prayerfully, letting God set the pace. I listen. I reflect. I pay attention to what stirs, what repeats, what gently won’t let go. And somewhere in that pursuit, a word begins to take shape—not as a theme to accomplish, but as an invitation to walk with Him more closely. That word becomes less about intention and more about attention.
Reading The Pursuit of God reminds me that faith is not about striving harder, but about fixing my gaze—again and again—on the One who is already pursuing me. It reframes my year around presence, not performance.
This is why my word is never just a word anymore. It’s a posture. A prayer. A pursuit. And that’s exactly what I want to invite you into this year. Because when a word is formed in God’s presence, it becomes MORE THAN JUST A WORD.
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God bless. God gave me a phrase: lean in. I’m discovering what that means. ❤️ G
What I needed this morning
My word for the year is courage. And my verse Exodus 14:14
My word this year is trust. I am starting a new business that I believe God has called me to. In the process of starting I need to learn how to advertise and use social media … Nothing I am comfortable with. So I set out to put one foot in front of the other as I feel He has called me to do trusting that He is guiding me day by day. It sounds so simple, but I am a planner and like control so this is completely out of my comfort zone!
Hi Carol, I just started journaling again and started reading one of your books Secret Longings of the Heart. I have been struggling a lot since my little brother Daniel Baker passed away Nov 5-2024. I hadn’t journaled since then up until Nov 11-2025. Been struggling a lot. With so many things coming up from my past. Megs life is me in your book. I have been angry. Losing my little brother who was 20 years younger than me we had bonded and now he is gone. My mom and step dad adopted him from Calcutta India when he was a baby and I was a junior in HS. I don’t understand why God took him instead of me. He has 3 children with his wife Jessica and her daughter Olivia who is the oldest 14 years old. And the youngest 5 years old. I feel like I have lost all of them since he died…I have been out of their lives for a year now and it’s so hard. I feel a loss for all of them. Not being allowed in my brothers children’s lives. Why would God take him instead of me? I’m the single one that never mattered to any of my family a specially my mom so why take him? She loved him and he had a family and so many people love him. His funeral filled a HS auditorium. He loved the Lord…Please pray I get my nephew and nieces back in my life. I live in Craig Co. I saw you at the Journey Church for a woman’s conference. Thank you and I will be praying for your sister also. And your family. I am so sorry your sister has cancer.
“Father we ask in Jesus name for comfort and healing for her sister and comfort for the family as they journey through this devastating time. Please heal her from the pancreatic cancer so the Drs will see a miracle and come to know You as Lord and savior of their lives. And know the real Physician. Amen.”
Sincerely Fidelis Marie Vigil.
Happy Blessed New Year to you and your family! Once a month a group of ladies from my church meets for fellowship and we each choose a word for the year.
Carol, your devotional was very timely for me. I have been thinking for about 10 days that I need a word for this coming year. But I want it to be one that God brings to my mind and confirms in someway. I don’t want it to be one that I just come up with. I want it to be inspired. I think we have the Tozer book in our library, so I am going to find it and start reading it with prayer and with hope that God will reveal that word for the year to me. Thanks for your devotional. It was great. Linda Searby
Intentional ❤️!
Each day I will Intentionally look for Gods presence ! Make each day purposeful. And serve God with His loving prompting!
I choose JOY
My word for 2026 is UN. As in unshakable, unmoving, unquestioning, unquenchable, uncompromising, unwavering, unchanging. My goal is to have my faith be all of these UN things, despite how unworthy of God’s love, grace and mercy I still so often have been.
Thank you for this word, Carol. My word for 2026 is DESPITE. Despite what I see, despite what I face in my body, despite what appear to be limitations and weaknesses, despite how I am perceived—despite it all, God will do the impossible in, around, and God-willing, through me.
I love this, Carol. I am the primary caregiver for my husband with moderately severe Lewy Body dementia. I have very little time for myself. But I understand the need to be present. To do what I can, with what I have, where I am now. My word came to me out of my Bible study just the other day: Holy, reflecting God’s character.
Thank you Carol! I love this blog post. My word or phrase is “ Be the Light.” L-Live for Christ. I- Be intentional. G- Give freely. H-Have hope. T- Trust in God’s timing.
I received the word (in)dependence, in that I am to be in a state of dependence on God. And my motto for the year will be “Depend on God, not chocolate.” While I can still enjoy a sweet treat at times, I know I need to rely on God to see me through.
I chose ‘be’ for my word through 2026. BE all that God wants me to BE. Be kind, faithful, forgiving, present, attentive, humble, repentent…repentant…. oh my goodness how ‘fruitful’ this New Year will BE ✨️
Prayers for your sister abound and surround, His peace and comfort for all connected, His grace to BE
My word is Testify.
I am blocking off 1 day a week to write and intentionally work on my books in a productive way.
Thank you for encouragement Carol. I am praying for your sister and your families.
God bless you all.
Brenda stroub ♥
Thanks Carol, so much wisdom! My word is journey. I feel a little like Abraham. The Spirit has told me to go! I don’t know the destination but I believe there will be grace in the journey. Your 5 points are great. I plan to plan my quiet time better – giving myself space to ponder and reflect on the journey. There is grace in the space!
Praying as you walk thru with your sweet sister. As a cancer survivor of Esoohageal Cancer… I understand the thoughtfulness of the way we spend our time. Blessings!
Thank you for this! It is such an encouragement. My word for the year is Reflection – on God’s Word and his character and to the world around me. I was particularly struck that we aren’t called to be busy but to be faithful. I’m committing to being intentional about taking a day each month for reflection and writing.
My word is connection. Connecting with God 1st, my spouse and my children.
Thank you !!
Yesterday morning, I lost my mother to heaven. The words written by you, Carol, encouraged me tonight. Thank you for them. I will be picking a word for the year. Not sure what it will be yet, but I do like your word, “time,” and choosing to spend my time wisely. I am so thankful for the time had with my mom and wish it could have been more. Someday, I will be spending eternity with her.
I will be praying for you and the time you have with your sister. May the Lord bless and give you both whatever you need in the days to come.
Thank you again for your ministry.
Thank you, Carol! So much wisdom.
My payers for your sister. Such a difficult disease. She is blessed to have you.
My word is TRUST. Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding. I know He is with me always. I never have to go it alone. I’m grateful to know the truth.
Peggy
Kindness
I recently reconnected with a student that I mentored for a couple of years in middle school. She has graduated from high school now. I want to find time to have lunch with her and encourage her through texts, messages and phone calls.
The word Perseverance was given and confirmed 5 times…I’m excited to see what happens this year! Thanks for the encouragement
Hi Carol, I certainly feel for you! My word is actually 2, faithfully abiding. My own cancer journeys make me feel the need to learn abiding efficiently and faithfully to the Lord’s glory from my heart of gratitude! I hope to serve my senior classmates at church, in any way I can.