The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” — Psalm 32:8

I’ve been contemplating a question over the past few days. As the cool weather pulls in the New Year, how can I plan for success in 2026? What dictates the direction of my plans in this new year?

When I look back on 2025, there are some things I knew would happen. My youngest graduating, her last recital and starting college. My oldest getting married. My middle getting engaged. These are things I could plan for…events that guided my plans. 

This year, however, I don’t want the big events to be the map of my life. Instead, I want to make the most of every opportunity. To see each day as a canvas waiting to be painted in the bright colors of joy, peace, and freedom that come as I choose to follow God’s path.

But, how can I know the right path?

The answer, I’m learning, has two movements: listening and leaning.

Listen…

“And after the fire came a still, small voice…”  — 1 Kings 19:12

I’m a planner. I even plan to plan. Many times, planning for big life events, like graduation, weddings, or vacations, can crowd out the slow, daily stillness of hearing from God. Instead of trusting God with a future I can’t see, I find myself scheduling every moment in an effort to fill the silence. 

God brought the fire, the earthquake, and the mighty wind to grab Elijah’s attention, but He spoke through a quiet whisper straight to Elijah’s heart. It was in the delicate silence after the chaos that Elijah felt the tangible presence of the Lord. The holy hush of the Heavenly Father who waited in anticipation for Elijah to listen for His Voice.

And Elijah was listening. Patient to wait until God was ready to reveal Himself. When he heard the voice of God, he prepared himself for action.

But, as Elijah’s story teaches us, God speaks most clearly in the silence.  In gentle and subtle ways of everyday life, can I see the hand of God?

Can I hear His whisper in the commotion of my own plans? Am I listening?

Lean…

“Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone.”  — 2 Chronicles 14:11

Facing an army twice the size of his own, King Asa was terrified. One million men against 500,000. Chariots against men on foot. The odds were impossible. They would surely be slaughtered. So Asa did the only thing he could do — Asa cried out to God. “O Lord, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in you alone.” 

The word Asa used is translated as “trust,” but the original language paints a picture of complete reliance. Think of someone who is weak and at the point of death from exposure to the elements. They have no way of saving themselves. They cannot find the strength to get the help they need. In a thin, weak voice, they cry out for someone to rescue them. Then, out of nowhere, salvation. A man lifts the almost lifeless body and carries him to safety. The weaker person relies on the strength of the other man completely. 

Just like Asa, I am surrounded by impossible odds everyday. I face enormous challenges and difficult circumstances that threaten to destroy my faith. Yet, in the middle of the valley, when all seems lost, I put my full weight on God. I cry out, like Asa, “There is no one but You who can help the powerless!” 

But, how often do I lean on other things instead of God? How many times have I calculated plans or created scenarios in order to save myself instead of relying fully on God to provide? 

I want this year to be different. 

In 2026, I want to be patient and wait for God’s word. To move only when He gives instruction. I want to listen for His gentle leading as He speaks in the quiet moments of each day. I want to lean on God and rest in His provision. 

This means intentionally seeking Him more and purposely trusting Him for everything. It means listening to His voice and leaning on His strength daily. 

Will you join me?

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” — Psalm 73:26

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”  —Psalm 46:1