"Surprise!" Word of the Year 2026


Every year I see people choosing a "Word of the Year." The idea is to pick a theme for the year, identifying a general area of personal growth instead of a specific goal or resolution. In general, this can be a helpful practice. It's certainly more beneficial than setting resolutions that are impossible to follow through with. But there are two major problems I see with picking a word of the year. 

First, they are usually cute and comfortable words. Common ones are "love," "joy," "compassion," "hope," etc. No one picks words that are uncomfortable but ultimately helpful like: "humility," "refinement," "confession," "blood, sweat, and tears," etc. You get my point. 

Second, picking a thematic word of the year is problematic if you believe you're in control of setting the course of the year. In my experience, when I have picked a theme for the year, even if it ends up being applicable, God uses it in a completely different way than I intended. For example, I may be out of line if my word of the year is "prosper" because I'm planning on financial gain and self-promotion. Instead, God may plan on "prospering" me through pain and reliance on him. When picking a theme for the year, it's important to keep a posture of humility. The heart behind it must be one that recognizes we are not in control and is chosen in submission to God's sovereignty.  

2026 holds a lot of unknown for me. I could try to pick a theme or direction, but the hard truth is that God's will is going to be done regardless of my choice. So instead, I'm going to steer into the skid and choose "Surprise" as my word of the year. 

I have no idea what God has in store for me. I don't if it will be comfortable and rewarding or painful and refining. I am coming to terms with just how out of control of my circumstances I truly am. The only thing I know for sure is God is in control. Trying to make my own plans is futile, accepting his plans is foundational. So I'm heading into this year expecting to be surprised by God. No matter what 2026 may hold, my goal is to stay prepared for surprises, good or bad, by keeping a posture of faith, humility, and submission to God. 

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