New Year Resolves
Depending on when you read this, 2026 might be more than a week old already. Any resolutions already fading? Any you’re even more committed to? What’s God showing you as 2026 unfolds?
Word (phrase) of the year
For a decade or so, my wife and I have joined others in the prayerful exercise of a word for the year. When it’s been self-generated, it’s had limited value. When I was as intent as I knew how to be on hearing it from the Lord, surrendering my ideas for His, the exercise has been much more helpful.
My word for 2024 was “restore”, and it clearly was the Lord’s guidance. It became a phrase: “Restore-and-more in '24!” We’re still living out of that one!
My word for 2025 was “360”. I know, I know – that’s a number, not a word. The idea was “leave nothing out, no compartment untouched.” I didn’t know how to make that into a single word so I chose a number! Val and I made up a phrase, “Keep hope alive in '25,” which was somewhat of a mix between trying to be creative on our own, and seeking the Lord’s direction.
2026 trifecta
The friend who first introduced me to this practice reached out to see if I had a word yet for 2026, and I told him not only did I have a word, but also a text and a song! He accused me (in a loving way) of being a “classic overachiever.” I replied, “More like, most desperate.”
My word for 2026 is focused on the J17 Ministries side, and it’s “multiply.” I’m all-in in my commitment to empower, equip, and multiply more than simply do. My song is “Abide” (you can listen HERE). Abiding in Christ is my lifeline – if I step out of abiding for even one hot minute, I’m toast. I don’t always remember – but I reap the consequences quickly when I land in the ditch! Finally, my text this year is one Val and I committed to together: Colossians 3. We’re listening to it daily. Colossians 3:12-17 was one of our wedding texts. When we read it again this past Sunday, we realized how much deeper it is now than July 9, 1988!
J17 clarity
If you missed the 9-minute video we shared in our newsletter in December, here’s a one sentence overview: Our mission is the same as it’s been from day one – Uniting the Body of Christ for a Divided World. And in 2026, there are only two places God is inviting us to focus that mission: in Tucson, and toward 2033. Everything we’re doing fits one of those two foci, at least for today.
For me personally, that’s helpful… but still overwhelming! All three of my 2026 “resolves” are what got me through the day today: “multiply,” “abide,” and “Colossians 3.” I suspect they’ll help tomorrow, too, and every day of 2026.
What’s God showing you so far? I commit to pray for you when I read your response, if you choose to reply. Please do the same for our J17 Ministries team!
John 17’s GPS outline (click HERE for a guide to pray John 17)
Father, may Jesus be glorified in every aspect of 2026. Protect us, Jesus, from the enemy who seeks to divide and distract and destroy. Sanctify us, Holy Spirit, so that each week of 2026 matures us. And make us one – for the sake of the watching world. Amen.
Proud to partner with you!
Dave Drum, J17 Ministries Founder
