Choosing Your Word of the Year

Growing up, I had those friends who selected their “word of the yr.” 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 surrender and throw within the towel, vowing to try again next yr. 

But this yr, in 2025, I saw something different. A couple of weeks ago, I used to be listening to my dear friend Moncia Kirkland’s podcast. She talked concerning the word “recent” and the way God’s definition of that word looked nothing like what she thought it might in her life. 

Monica is one of the authentic prayer warriors I’ve ever met. And unlike those friends from highschool and even early college, when she picks a word, she’s prayerful, dedicated, and faithful. Choosing a word of the yr is effective for her since it focuses her yr, but more so, it’s effective because she holds open hands to what the Lord might speak to her. 

Choosing a word of the yr is popular in Christian and secular circles alike. It reflects major cultural shifts and involves selecting a word or phrase that captures the essence of what the subsequent yr may hold. For Christians, they ask the Lord to provide them this word after which fulfill its purpose of their lives over the subsequent one year. It resonates during seasons of transition, particularly December to January, since it’s a chance for newness and robust beginnings. But what if selecting your word of the yr became less a couple of word and more about releasing control?

Trusting God’s Timing Means Letting Go of Control

In the Scriptures, we see that naming seasons will 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 autumn, they’d to face a sinful world of destruction and disobedience. The book of Revelation speaks of seasons that may occur, but haven’t yet come forth. Seasons are a component of life. They are inevitable. We will all experience them. But once we do, naming them and never controlling can actually help us release what we have been gripping so tightly. 

In Proverbs 16:9, we read these words: “We could make our plans, however the Lord determines our steps” (NLT). I memorized this verse as a baby since it jogged my memory of two things: 1. God has good plans for me, and a couple of. Even if I mess up, He will fulfill those plans for me (Isaiah 46:10). 

Sometimes, we prefer to select a word of the yr because we would like to prophesy what’s going to occur next in our lives. We want success, money, dreams, a spouse, you name it. But friends, provided that God builds the home, will it stand strong. In other words, provided that God gives you that Word will it come to fruition. Because he knows what we want when we want it best. Not the opposite way around. 

If you are anything like me, this could cause a bit of tension. I need to know the plan and the word now, like ASAP, and the way it is going to prove! But that is not how our God works, friends. He’s patient, and His timing is correct for His will in our lives. 

How to Discern Your Word Prayerfully

If you are seeking to select a word of the yr for 2026, might I encourage a number of guidelines:

1. Ask the Lord to provide you your word and spend time praying over what you discern. Give yourself ample time to do that and ask the Lord to make the word clear. 

2. Listen greater than you speak. It’s okay to confer with God. You should! But remember to listen. Stop striving and listen to Him rigorously. 

3. If you are struggling to listen to a Word, ask family and friends to wish for you. He might just speak through them to you. 

4. Read Scripture and ask the Lord to talk. Sit in silence for so long as you possibly can and sit in a posture of humble give up, able to receive whatever He has in store. 

According to Abide Magazine, selecting a word of the yr doesn’t must be overwhelming or fear-inducing if you have got the correct motivations and heart. But what’s the primary strategy to select a word and stick with it? “Letting God show you a Word for the Year through prayer and scripture reading is the most effective plan of action.”

Allowing God to decide on 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 nevertheless the Lord might speak to you in the brand new yr. 

Seeking God for a word for the yr also helps us to attend 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 within the Lord, and He offers you the desires of your heart” (NIV). Again, these desires should align with His will, nevertheless it is not mistaken to share these desires with Him, even when you find yourself selecting a word to concentrate on. 

Just like New Year’s Resolutions, we will be quick to read our Bible more, or select a word and move on. Or ignore it a month later. But hear me out: This is a chance 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 yr gives us a foundation for knowing and in search of God more. When I pick up a book called ‘Joy,’ I anticipate the book to be about joy. When my word for the yr is ‘Joy,’ I anticipate opportunities for God to disclose and teach me about his joy.”

So, do you have to select a word of the yr? I suppose it is dependent upon your motives. If you are able to stand before the Lord with open hands, irrespective of what He might speak, then absolutely. But for those who think selecting a word will wave some magical wand on what’s going to occur in your life, then probably not. We should have proper motivations when coming to the Lord, even in the case of specializing in a word for the yr. And yes, you and the Lord can have the identical word in mind. But make sure you keep your mind and expectations open. 

A Prayer for Direction within the New Year

Dear Jesus,
Choosing a word of the yr can feel scary and overwhelming. We prefer to be on top of things and know what’s going to occur next. While we won’t predict the long run, we are able to decide to focus and fix our gaze on you. If you wish to give us a word this yr, achieve this. We humbly give up and are ready for nevertheless that word might show up in our lives. Please speak to us, Jesus. We are desperate and longing to listen to your sweet voice of wisdom. We are your sheep, able to hear your voice. When you speak, we are going to listen and obey. We love, praise, thank, and trust you, Jesus.
Amen. 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Oleksandra Yagello

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber searched for faith and mental health resources and located none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians battling mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you possibly can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to assist navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.