2026 Word of the Year: PEACE
When I was a music teacher, my classroom was traditionally known as the “loud” room. Rarely did I experience peace and quiet; an administrator often joked that the only time he worried about me was when the room was silent. Now that I’ve been in full-time ministry for over a year, my life feels just as loud and chaotic as before—just without instruments. Rarely do I know what’s coming next, where I’m going next, or what I’ll be doing next.
Throughout this past year, I’ve thrown out the parameters that once bound me to a predictable daily schedule. While the uncertainty often kept me on my toes with excitement about where God might show up next, I also found myself living in a constant state of worry between those divine moments. My 2025 word was Contentment, and I learned a great deal through that focus. No matter the situation, I believed I needed to be “fine” with the outcome. Meditating on Philippians 4:11 helped most of the time—but in certain moments, fine felt more like a four-letter word than a state of well-being. Practicing contentment was good… until it wasn’t.
As long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with both anxiety and depression. While meditating on contentment significantly helped in ordinary circumstances, there were unusual situations that crippled me to tears. It wasn’t exhaustion or overwork that upset the proverbial boat. Even when I rested well, ate well, exercised, spent time with God, and took appropriate breaks, my inner state remained unbalanced. Contentment helped—but peace was missing. Looking back, I realize I was still relying on myself by forcing myself to be “fine.” I would pretend to surrender circumstances by placing them on God’s altar, only to pick them back up moments later.
Shalom shalom speaks of perfect and complete peace—an all-encompassing wholeness; unity within community; a double blessing of prayer and portion; a flourishing of well-being in mind, body, and spirit. While contentment can exist on the surface, peace is an inner dwelling that can only be found in Jesus. Over the past few days, I’ve reflected on the many things happening in my work, my family, my finances, and beyond. I am content with what God has entrusted to me this past year—but beyond the surface, I deeply yearn for more of Him: more of His love, more of His presence. There are many uncertainties in my life right now—many things I don’t understand. I need His peace to surpass my worry so that it may guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). Because humanity is broken, I must rely on a peace not of this world (John 14:27). Serving alongside others in ministry doesn’t always mean agreeing with every decision, but by focusing on His peace, we can remain united so that His will is done (Romans 12:18). No matter the circumstance, my peace must be found—and remain—in Jesus.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Song: Peace Be Still – https://youtu.be/lsIpGiz3SfQ?si=mzw6pWM6zbiJDKxA
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