Lord, Teach Me to Abide
Many of you know I have a long-standing tradition of choosing a “word for the year.” This practice isn’t unique, but over the decades it has been deeply meaningful to me. While one word isn’t more important than others, it becomes a focus for the year, and I’m often inspired by the messages and moments that reinforce it and its accompanying theme. As we know, our brains tend to notice and reinforce what we believe to be true, and I also trust that God faithfully directs me to the word He has chosen for me and what He wants me to learn.
I begin praying early in December about my word, and I always marvel at how clearly I’m guided. I have many stories of how each word came to mind and was reinforced. One year I didn’t know for sure until late on New Year’s Eve—but God is never late!
This year, the first word I heard was rest. I felt drawn to the idea of resting spiritually, physically, and practically. Soon after, I heard gentle and felt the comfort and kindness carried in that word. Then came grace, one of the most meaningful words in our language. By God’s grace, I have been welcomed into His family through Jesus, and living with grace toward others (and myself) is something I deeply value.
Wanting a single word that could hold all these together, I am moving into the year with the word ABIDE.
For me, ABIDE is a package, made up of three parts:
- Rest – choosing to dwell rather than rush
- Gentle – being patient, unhurried, and receptive
- Grace – receiving grace and extending grace
There will be very practical applications to this theme. For better and for worse, I’m known for being busy. I have high energy and enjoy being active, but I also value being present and finding balance. I don’t want “busyness” to keep me from living out God’s best plan for me. It’s all too easy to fill our lives with many good things, but I believe discernment is needed to choose what is best in each season.
Abiding will mean staying close to God and making room for Him. It will mean trusting His timing even when I’d love to press on with vigor! Although it’s tempting to see this as a passive word, I believe it means living intentionally, with roots that grow deeper as I remain attached to the true vine. I will still juggle lots of balls in the air—but only the ones that should be juggled.
So, this year, I’m choosing to make the changes needed to find true rest, to be gentle with others (and myself), and to extend grace freely.
I will ABIDE in Him.
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me… As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
— John 15:4, 9
Abiding comes first; fruit follows.
Whatever your word, goal, resolution, or quiet intention for the year, I pray that 2026 is meaningful for you.
I wrote this simple prayer, which I intend to say each day, and I invite you to join me!
Lord, teach me to abide.
Help me rest in You; You will carry my burdens.
Help me trust You as the gentle Shepherd; You will watch over me.
Help me receive Your grace; You are sufficient for me.
I’m curious, what’s your “word” for 2026?
Catherine Robertson
President | catherine@eaglecom.ca