From Overwhelmed to Aligned: Why ‘Simple’ is My Word for 2025
The countdown to another new year has begun, and honestly, I can’t help but pause and reflect on how fast-paced and overwhelming life can get. It feels like there’s always so much to do and never quite enough time.
That’s why each December, I take a deep breath, clear my head, and ask God for guidance with one simple question—what’s the word You want me to focus on this coming new year? Spoiler alert! For 2025, the word is “Simple.”
But before we dig in, let’s get one thing straight—choosing a word of the year isn’t about hopping on some trendy bandwagon or coming up with yet another fleeting resolution. It’s about realigning your heart, your clarity, and your purpose with God’s plan. And trust me, this practice is one game-changer you don’t want to miss out on.
Why a Word of the Year (and Not Just a Resolution)?
If you’ve never chosen a word of the year, here’s why you need to try it. Instead of drifting aimlessly through life’s endless stream of busyness, having one word gives you laser focus and intentionality.
Think of it as your spiritual GPS—a constant reminder of where you’re headed and Who’s guiding you.
Your word becomes an anchor. It’s a compass for your decisions, goals, and actions throughout the year. When challenges and chaos inevitably come (and trust me, they will), your word will prompt you to pause and refocus on what truly matters, recalibrating your life to align with God’s purpose.
On top of that, this practice is deeply personal. By choosing a word prayerfully, you are inviting God to take the lead—you’re saying, “Lord, I’m ready to follow wherever You guide me this year.” And the best part? Seeing Him show up in surprising, amazing ways.
Why “Simple”?
Alright, so why “Simple,” you ask? Great question! Honestly, because I’m exhausted.
The noise of this world—the distractions and demands—has a knack for draining us, doesn’t it? I’ve found myself stuck on that hamster wheel of trying to do more, be more, and have more, only to feel weighed down and empty.
But here’s the truth—God doesn’t need us to hustle endlessly. He calls us to purpose, not chaos.
For 2025, I’m craving simplicity. Not just for simplicity’s sake, but because I want to strip away the noise and focus on the things that carry eternal value. I want to live with a Faith That Shines.
Faith That Shines
It’s says in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
This verse speaks to me deeply because it reminds us that we are called to shine our light for God’s glory. And when our lives are cluttered with distractions and busyness, it can be hard to focus on shining His light brightly.
These past few years, showing up with love, grace, and kindness has been hard. But I believe that through simplicity, I can realign with God’s calling to be a light in this world.
By decluttering my life I’ll have the patience to reflect His goodness in the small, everyday moments—through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply choosing to smile instead of grumbling.
What Simplicity Really Means
Here’s the deal—I don’t want to over simplify simplicity… that doesn’t exactly read right, but you know what I mean.
Simplicity isn’t about stripping away every responsibility or living a mundane life void of passion. It isn’t about doing less just to free up your calendar or decluttering your house because Marie Kondo says you should. (Although, hey, it helps!) .
Real simplicity requires some next-level honesty. It’s asking yourself some tough but freeing questions like, “What really matters for God’s kingdom? What distractions are keeping me from loving Jesus fully? How can I serve Him better?”
To get there, I know I’ll need to surrender some big stuff—my schedule, my expectations, and even my idea of “success.” It’s about releasing anything that gets in the way of letting Christ reign in my life.
Yes, it’s scary. But if it creates more room in my heart for Him, it’s 100% worth it.
Declutter to Reclaim Joy
For me, simplifying starts with decluttering—physically, digitally, emotionally, and spiritually. That might look like saying “no” to overcommitting, setting boundaries on my time, or clearing out possessions that add to the chaos for no good reason. Unsubscribing from emails, muting notifications on my phone, and limiting scrolling on social media are also key.
But the ultimate goal isn’t just to have a clean slate—it’s about reclaiming joy. Because when I’m not weighed down by clutter, I can fully embrace life and its blessings.
Finding Stillness in the Savior
And here’s the most beautiful part of simplicity—it gives you room to sit still with God. Simplicity isn’t just about less stuff; it’s about creating enough margin to be in His presence.
Simple, quiet moments—an unhurried cup of coffee while reading a devotional, offering an earnest prayer without distractions, or soaking in the beauty of a prayer walk in the morning—these are the moments that fuel our faith and restore our souls.
So yes, “Simple” may seem like a small word, but I have a feeling it will have a big impact on my life this coming year. And who knows? Maybe it will spark something in you too.
Join Me on the Simplicity Journey!
Now—to you. Friend, are you ready to ditch the chaos and distractions? Are you ready to step into a life of true peace and focus, anchored in Christ? If your answer is “yes,” then awesome!
Let your faith shine through simplicity and watch as God works miracles in unexpected ways.