What’s Your Word?
January 3, 2026 /
“Abide in me, as I also abide in you.” John 15:4
At the beginning of each new year, I tend to choose a word rather than set goals or resolutions. I find that focusing on a single word influences my prayers, focus, and my walk with God throughout the new year. Last year, my word was Align, and this year the word is Abide.
Abide feels appropriate for a girl who lives by lists and tends to be accomplishment-oriented. It will be a reminder that God doesn’t require me to do more, but to stay connected. In John 15:4, Jesus invites us into a way of living, connected to Him and rooted in relationship: “Abide in me, as I also abide in you.” Not rushing. Not striving. Abiding or Remaining.
This year, I want to practice what it means to make my heart a home for Christ. I want to seek Him first each morning and not let my phone distract me. I hope to learn how to abide through prayer, reflection, journaling, and reading Scripture. I know when I pause, Jesus will meet me in these moments and help me grow.
Jesus reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing. His fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It grows naturally when we remain connected to the Vine. When we don’t abide, our spiritual fruit can become pithy, sour, or even rotten. But connecting to the vine helps us avoid this.
As the months continue, I hope I catch myself when I’m drifting and reconnect with the Lord, the vine. The world is full of distractions that can draw me away and disconnect me. As I learn to abide, I hope to grow the fruit of love that overflows, love that reflects Christ to others, even in challenging moments.
Abide is not a goal to accomplish; it is a guide to help me seek God daily.
Dear Lord,
As each of us steps into this new year, help us each to abide in You.
When life is busy, uncertain, or uncomfortable, teach us to connect to You.
Prune what distracts us and deepen our roots in Your Word.
Grow in us fruit that reflects Your love and grace.
May our lives remain connected to You, today and throughout this year.
When life is busy, uncertain, or uncomfortable, teach us to connect to You.
Prune what distracts us and deepen our roots in Your Word.
Grow in us fruit that reflects Your love and grace.
May our lives remain connected to You, today and throughout this year.
Amen
Welcome, I'm Peg Arnold!
One of my passions is encouragement! I pray that you understand the depth of God's love and delight for you through these devotions. He is faithful and has always been there, inviting us to seek Him. By sharing my personal experiences of God's faithfulness during life's challenges, I hope to help you embrace your God-given purpose.
Blessings,
Peg Arnold
Speaker, Author, Drama Queen for Jesus
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