New Year Reflection: My Biggest Mistake in 2025 & the Word God Gave Me for 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, many of us are having New Year reflections on what went well, what didn’t, where we did well and where we fell short - I know I am.

While looking back on this year yesterday, it hit me like a ton of bricks - my biggest mistake was something that I KNOW I should be doing every single day of every single year. So, I am taking this mistake and turning it into a consistent reminder for 2026 through my “word of the year.”

New Year Reflection: My Biggest Mistake

We have been going through a tough season, and it’s been a long one. Regrettably, I have not always kept my focus where it should be – on the Lord. I allowed myself to focus more on my issues than in the God who is always with us, never leaves us and has a great plan for us all.

Without focusing on God, I found myself frequently falling into the trap of negativity, complaining and putting myself down time and time again. It is pretty much impossible to see all the good God does when you are stuck in a negative mindset.

What I was truly doing was failing to remember that God is loving, kind and faithful, and I was focused on all the bad stuff rather than the goodness of God. And when we forget who God is and what He does for us, it’s easy to forget who we are in Him.

Scriptures That Prove God’s Faithfulness

As I write, I am reminded of several verses of scripture that negate these actions and thoughts and bring me back to the promises of God:

• Proverbs 18:21 - “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

• Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

• Lamentations 3:22-23 - “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

• Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

• Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

I could honestly keep adding to this list of scriptures, but even if I had only listed one, that is enough to remind me that God has a plan and a purpose, He wants the best for me and He is with me through it all.

2026 Word of the Year

Before each new year begins, I choose a word that will ground me. For the last several years, the words I chose were more about what I needed to do than about who God already is. In the past, I have chosen words like “overcome,” “trust,” “steadfast,” and this year it was “perseverance." These are things that I had to do in relation to my life. But in 2026, I am changing my train of thought and looking at Almighty God – in everything I do.

All that being said, after prayer and self-reflection, I have realized that my word of the year for 2026 must be “FOCUS.” Focus on the Lord, focus on His character and goodness, focus on HIM and NOT the problems or issues or myself. God is greater than anything and everything I face. HE is in control and working it all out behind the scenes.

Carrying “Focus” Into 2026

As I step into 2026, I don’t want this word to live only on paper or in my heart for a few weeks and then fade away. I want “focus” to be something I practice daily, especially when life feels heavy or uncertain. When I’m tempted to spiral into worry, negativity or self-doubt, I want to pause and intentionally refocus my mind on who God is, rather than what I’m facing.

I know I won’t do this perfectly. But I also know that God is patient, gracious and faithful to meet me right where I am. Each day is a fresh opportunity to choose Him again - to speak life, to trust His promises, and to remember that He is working even when I can’t see it.

If you’re heading into a new year feeling weary, discouraged or unsure, I encourage you to ask yourself this simple question: Where is my focus? Because when our focus shifts back to the Lord, everything else begins to fall into its proper place.

Looking Ahead to 2026...

Before the new year begins, take a moment to ask God what word He is placing on your heart for the season ahead. If you’d like help choosing one, click here to read more.

Here's to a fabulous, God-centered 2026!

Blessings,

Amy