One Word for Your Spiritual Formation in 2026

Today is a day of new beginnings. Gyms are packed. Fridges and pantries are stocked with different foods than they were just 72 hours ago. Devotional books are stationed. And Bible reading plans are primed and ready.

I love it. But don’t lose sight of this one thing.

I want to point out a single word from the Bible that I’m praying will define my spiritual formation, life, and ministry this year (and beyond). You may need this word, too. It struck me this morning as I began a new Bible reading plan.

Psalm 1:2 his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Maybe because January 1 is a day of revived and refreshed resolutions, commitments, and disciplines, but I was reminded that Psalm 1:2 doesn’t say “his discipline” or “his decision” is to read the Bible. It’s a deeper word. Delight.

This Hebrew word conveys pleasure, joy, and desire. It’s a delight that lingers, which is why he “meditates day and night.” Delight is a driver of life.

Why do we eat certain foods and avoid others? Because we either delight in its taste or its health benefits. Everyone is seeking delight. And the spiritual life is no different. Seek your delight in God from God’s word.

We need spiritual discipline—“train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7)—that’s clear. We must make decisions. Scripture rather than scroll. Wake up a little earlier and pray. Habits for holiness, our “yes” and “no” in spiritual formation, are vital. And so is delight.

There is a cyclical, symbiotic reality here.

Delight fuels discipline. Delight guides decisions. The more we delight in God and his word, the more we want to read, meditate, pray, and pursue holiness. But how do we get to delight? It won’t just happen apart from God’s word. We can’t pray for delight in God’s word without spending time in God’s word. We show up. We read. We pray. We depend on the Spirit of God to transform us. Loving God leads to wanting to commune with God. And communion with God flames love for God. Reading about God’s love stirs our love for God. Delight is derived from the divine revelation of the Divine. And the more we delight in God, the more we distaste sin.

So, let’s make the decisions we need to make to mature in our faith. Let’s engage the spiritual disciplines with discipline. And let’s aim and ask for delight in God and God’s word.

• Meditate and think on God’s word till you experience delight.

• Ask God to delight you with his word, with himself.

• Delight in God as you sing on Sundays.

• Delight in the reality of the Lord’s Supper.

• Rejoice and respond to gospel truth with Godward delight.

Don’t just go through the disciplines this year. Do them with delight. Do them for delight.

“God, I want to delight in you.”

Make delight in God a defining word of 2026 and beyond.

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord