At the end of each year, God gives me a word to carry into the new one.
It’s not a goal or a resolution—it’s an invitation.
Something to focus on. Something to press into. Something to grow in.
For 2026, that word is content.
And no, I don’t mean content like social media posts or blog writing.
I mean content as a state of mind and heart.
Being at peace. Resting. Fully appreciating all God has done and living in the moment He’s placed me in.
This has been a lifelong struggle for me.
I’ve often lived with one foot in my current season and one foot in the next—always wanting more, better, different, or extraordinary. Always looking ahead. Always imagining what could be instead of fully receiving what is.
Scripture speaks directly to this tension:
“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:12–13
The peak of this struggle came when my granddaughter was born. Suddenly, I found myself deeply unhappy with some of my choices. All I could think about was her. All I wanted was to be near her. My heart ached with longing, and instead of bringing that ache to God, I let it settle into discontent.
I won’t sugarcoat it—I spent the better part of this year living in that headspace.
Until recently, when God very clearly told me to stop.
Not gently.
Not subtly.
But firmly—like only a loving Father can.
In that moment, I realized something painful but necessary: I wasn’t just making myself miserable. I was affecting the people around me. My restlessness was spilling over. My discontent was contagious.
So I cried out to God and asked for forgiveness.
And then I humbled myself and did the same with those closest to me.
That’s when God gave me my word.
He reminded me that everything I have, I once prayed for.
I asked Him to move mountains—and He did.
I begged Him for provision, stability, healing, and direction—and He answered.
So who was I to suddenly find fault with the very life I had laid at His feet?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
— 1 Timothy 6:6
Is my life perfect? No.
But perfection was never promised here.
True perfection waits for us in Heaven.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:11
My life is relatively easy, and I am deeply grateful for that. I am blessed beyond measure, and I know—without a doubt—that God is not finished with me yet.
So while 2026 will be a big and busy year, it will also be a restful one—at least where my heart and emotional health are concerned.
I am choosing not to miss the moments God gives me because I’m too busy living five steps ahead. I want to be present. I want to notice the small things. I want to fully inhabit the season I’m standing in.
That doesn’t mean I won’t look ahead.
I will—wisely and prayerfully.
I’ll look ahead to seek God’s direction.
I’ll look ahead to plan.
I’ll look ahead knowing that every plan I make is ultimately placed back in His hands.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
— Proverbs 16:9
But more than anything, I want to be here.
Right now.
Right where God has me.
Right in the center of His will.
A Gentle Reflection for You
As you look toward a new year, I invite you to ask yourself:
- Where have I been restless instead of grateful?
- What prayers has God already answered that I may be overlooking?
- What would it look like to rest—not in circumstances—but in God’s faithfulness?
Maybe God has a word for you too.
Maybe it’s content.
Maybe it’s something else entirely.
Whatever it is, I pray you’ll listen—and lean in.
Because there is deep peace found when we stop striving for the next thing and start trusting God with this one.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
— Hebrews 13:5
If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear—what word are you carrying into the new year? 💛
Faith Love n Joy 