Simplify: My Word of the Year (And Why I Need It More Than Ever)

In just a few days, we’ll step into a brand-new year, and I don’t know about you, but I always feel that tiny flicker of hope that comes with it. A fresh calendar, a clean slate, and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, we can do things a little differently this time around.

I’ve always loved the idea of choosing a Word of the Year. Not a long list of resolutions that makes you tired just reading them, but one simple word that gently taps you on the shoulder all year long and says, “Hey, remember this.”

This year, my word is simplify.

And honestly, it picked me.

When Life Starts Feeling Too Loud

Like most of us, I usually break New Year’s goals into neat little categories. Health is always on the list, sometimes right next to “lose weight,” even though those two don’t always play nicely together. There’s usually something about finances, spending less, saving more, and trying to be “responsible.” And yes, every now and then, I think about resolving to wear real pants more often. If yoga pants were a sport, I’d have a trophy by now.

But the category that keeps tugging at my heart lately is faith.

I want to grow closer to the Lord. I really do. I just wish spiritual growth came with a drive-thru option. I want someone else to do the research, the deep thinking, and the heavy lifting, and then I’ll happily sit there with my coffee and listen. Lazy? Maybe. Honest? Definitely.

That’s when it hit me. I’m overwhelmed, not because I’m doing nothing, but because I’m doing too much. Too many expectations, too much noise, too many mental tabs open. That’s where simplify came in and sat itself right down in my spirit.

Why “Simplify” Sounds Easy (But Isn’t)

Simplify doesn’t sound exciting or flashy. No vision board glitter. No big reveal. It almost feels boring.

But boring words tend to be the ones that do the hardest work.

Simplifying means choosing contentment in a world that thrives on comparison. It means putting certain words on a shelf, words like complain, envy, jealousy, worry, strive, frustration, and disappointment. They don’t disappear, but they don’t get to run the show anymore.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
⁵ 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.”

This verse always stops me in my tracks. Contentment isn’t about what we have, it’s about trusting who walks with us.

Learning Contentment the Hard Way

Paul talks about contentment in a way that feels very real and very earned.

Philippians 4:11–12 (NIV)
¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Paul knew both sides of the coin. Plenty and lack. Comfort and struggle. And still, he learned contentment.

That’s the part that gets me. Learned. Not magically received. Learned through living.

Luke 12:15 (NIV)
¹⁵ Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Ouch. That one steps on toes, including mine.

Simplifying Without Giving Up Growth

Simplifying doesn’t mean we stop growing or trying to improve our lives. God gave us minds, abilities, and opportunities for a reason. Wanting to be healthier, wiser with money, or more disciplined isn’t wrong.

Motivation matters.

I’ll still set some goals this year, including taking better care of my body. Not because I’m competing with anyone else, but because I want to honor what God has given me. That feels very different than chasing “more” just for the sake of more.

As humans, we’re wired to want. More. Better. Next. But what if this year, we pause and remind ourselves that God is enough? His love is enough. His presence is enough. Even when life feels messy and unfinished.

That’s what simplify looks like for me.

To GOD Goes The Glory!

Have A Blessed Day!

Let’s End With A Prayer

Lord,
As we step into this new year, help us quiet the noise and release the pressure we put on ourselves. Teach us how to simplify our thoughts, our schedules, and our expectations. Help us recognize when we’re striving instead of trusting. Remind us that You are enough, even when life feels overwhelming. Walk with us, guide us, and help us find contentment in Your presence. Amen.