WORD FOR 2026 – SIMPLIFY

Simplify. It’s my word for 2026. 

We were challenged during a recent retreat to ask the Lord for a word for 2026.  As soon as I had typed in our text thread, “I’m praying for my word for 2026!” it was as if it fell from the sky.  I heard in my spirit the Lord say, “Simplify.”  God knows that is not a word I would have picked for myself and I was actually surprised it came within seconds of sharing.  Jesus likes to talk when He wants to talk. Our job is to be ready to listen.

Simplify?  No.  I would have picked something else. Something like Glory, Fire, Pursuit, Legacy, Victory.  You know, something stoic. Something exciting.  Something that makes someone inspired. 

But as I began digging in to this word, simplify, the Lord started showing me His heart. Perhaps it will lead to something exciting.  Perhaps someone will be inspired.  And perhaps it will bring refreshing to my soul, ultimately unlocking my full destiny. Can a word like simplify do that?

First thing I did was look up the definition.  Sometimes I think I know what a word means but usually I’m surprised by the depth.

What does simplify mean in the dictionary?

Simplify –

: to make simple or simpler: such as-

a: to reduce to basic essentials

b: to diminish in scope or complexity : STREAMLINE

c: to make more intelligible : CLARIFY

Simplify –

simplified, simplifying 

: to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier.

Simplify –

: make (something) simpler or easier to do or understand.


Streamline, clarify, make less complicated or easier.  These things stood out. So my personality is like, “Okay Jesus, let’s get to work.  What do I need to clean?  What needs to be streamlined? What needs to be clarified?” I began to ponder.

It wasn’t until about three days later when I found the simple answer to my word “simplicity” Jesus gave me.

These are my sloppy journal entries from that encounter –

11/29/25 –

I got wrecked this morning. I woke up earlier to read the Bible and then decided to go back to bed. Everyone in the house was still asleep and no one had gotten up yet. When I woke up for the second time I had gotten in the shower, got completely dressed before Mark was even out of bed and then when he was in the shower, I went to the living room. And everyone was still asleep. But I noticed that there was one single pillar candle that’s battery operated that was lit up on our mantle. A couple nights before I had put up all the Christmas decorations. No one had turned that candle on, but it was shining. I believe this is in direct correlation to my prayer. I had asked the Lord, “What does it mean to simplify? That is my word for 2026. What does it mean to simplify?” And when I saw that candle, the scripture in Matthew 5:16 came to mind. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” All around was dark, no other Christmas decorations were shining, but the eye was drawn to the one candle lit. That is the “simplify.” That I would let my light shine before men that they would see my good works and glorify my Father, which is in heaven.

11/30/25-

Last night I woke up and for some reason the light underneath my bed was lit up. I reached for the remote to turn it off, but again that scripture came to mind “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” And also the one in Psalm 119 that says Your Word is a lamp to my feet in the light to my path.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Wrecked.  Tears.  Freedom.  I saw that solo candle on.

Just SHINE.  SHINE. SHINE. SHINE.  Simplify. 

Why ask God for a Word for the Year?  Might seem silly.  Who cares?? Get your freedom. Get your direction.  Get your hope.  A word of the year reminds us that He’s still writing our story.  He’s not done. And you’re not either. 

A Word for the Year has become an anchor for my life to stay tapped into the heart of the Father.  It has taught me to rely on His strength and partnership to fulfill what He has spoken.  If He spoke it, then He’s invested.  And we know He finishes what He starts.

So, here’s to a year of simplifying.  Shining His light.  Why? So people can see my good works. And why would that matter? So they will glorify my Father in heaven.  It’s all about Him. And… a year of allowing the Word of God to be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Oh, how I love Jesus.

Okay, now it’s your turn.  Go get ‘em tiger.  Ask Him for your word for 2026. The Lord is waiting.  Seek Him.  The promise is if you ask, you shall receive.  Ask in faith. Wait in expectation. Not striving but knowing He will answer.  I’m excited for you!

SHINE. SHINE. SHINE.