A "WORD" of encouragement 2026
Every year, I ask the Lord to give me a word. Something to hold onto as I learn, am stretched, am challenged... because, let's be real... in 365 days there will be a lot of, well, EVERYTHING.
“Come.”
A simple, four-letter word that carries power. It speaks of authority, holds expectation, and gives direction.
“Come.” Has been my word for this year.
I have studied it. I have dug into the Word of God, Hebrew, Greek...all to discover all that I could about the Truth held within these four letters. And throughout this year, I have experienced the many, many dimensions of depth and emotion, change, healing, surrender, and growth that this word encompasses.
I have brought to Jesus the thoughts that would otherwise send me spiraling downward, surrendering them at His feet and leaving them there. I have learned to trust that He will replace the thoughts that bring defeat with His Truth, through His Spirit who, as a believer in Jesus Christ, is alive in me.
And yet, there have also been times when I have laid my struggles at those same feet of Jesus, only to pick them back up again. I continue to try to adjust, fix, or “figure out” what needs to be done, rather than simply surrendering it to Him.
Through this small word, I have been challenged in big ways to move. I have been encouraged to stay. I have been shown grace upon grace, and I have been shown how to extend that same grace to others.
“Come.” Isn't about washing up first. It definitely isn't about achieving perfection or having everything together. It isn't about having enough to give, to survive or tredge through.
It is about Jesus BEING enough.
When I refuse His invitation to sit at His feet, I feel the separation that comes from trying to hold onto something other than what He so graciously extends in love and promise. I recognize the desert place that I find myself in, when I am feeling thirsty, tired, hungry, "alone", when I have been offered the refreshing and sustaining water from the Wellspring of Life—offered by the very One who calls me to it, who loves me. "Come."
The battle for identity rages, moment by moment.
Maybe someone else is telling you what they think you want or need to hear. Maybe you believe your God-given gifts and abilities define how He—or others—see you. Or perhaps you feel unseen because of the very things you believe should make you worthy of being noticed, aren't. "Come."
Maybe it is your past choices that creep back into your peripheral vision, knocking you over with unhindered shame and locking you up in the very chains Jesus has already freed you from.
The word from the Lord for you is “Come.”
For the person standing on the mountaintop, where everything is going according to plan, or simply seems to be “right,” or with a sigh you say "Finally." The same word from the Lord, to you, is “Come.”
When insecurities hold you back, when diagnoses are before you, when you are longing for relationship, or when you are stepping into something new, the word from the Lord for you will always be “Come.”
And when you are called to “go,” you are still called, consistently, to “Come.”
Come to the feet of Jesus. Sit in the quiet. Surrender the noise.
It is here that you will find all that you need.
It is here that you will experience rest and peace.
It is here that you will learn who He says you are.
It is here that you will be satisfied and content.
It is here that you will find freedom.
And it is here that you will KNOW Him.
Four little letters. One echoing invitation. A command. An encouragement. A prescription. An opportunity.
“Come.”
Jesus Says,
“COME TO ME, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I WILL GIVE you rest. Take MY yoke upon you, and learn from ME; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light.”
— Matthew 11:28–30
Need prayer support?
Contact Jenni directly if you are struggling with this invitation or have questions.
You are Seen, Known, Loved, and Valuable.
John 3:16-17
Exodus 24:12, Psalm 66:5, Isaiah 55:1, Hebrews 4:16
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