The Olive Tree & the Sustainer: Words for 2025 and 2026

At the beginning of 2025, the Lord drew my attention to a flourishing olive tree and all that it represents over time. As I reflect on the year now, I see with greater clarity, not only the fullness of the word He gave me, FLOURISH, but also the profound symbolism of the olive tree itself.

The olive tree speaks of strength, endurance, peace, and prosperity. It withstands drought and storms, thriving in harsh and unforgiving conditions. It does not rush growth; it endures. Midway through the year, endurance was revealed as a deeper layer of this word, and suddenly, the image made sense. Flourishing was never about ease; it was about perseverance.

The olive tree represents the fruit of the Spirit, anointing, and sacred purpose. Its twisted trunk tells a story of time, pressure, and survival. Its silvery leaves reflect light even in darkness, quietly beautiful and unmistakably unique. The olive branch has long symbolized peace, reconciliation, and new beginnings, life after the flood, hope after the trial.

This year has been one of transformation through trials. And like the olive tree, I see now that flourishing is not the absence of hardship, but the ability to remain rooted, fruitful, and anointed through it all.

“But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God, I trust in God’s faithful love forever and ever. " Psalm 52:8  

As I look ahead to 2026, the Lord is now drawing my attention to a new word: SUSTAIN.

To sustain means to strengthen and to nourish, to tend with intention and care. It is the strengthening of the mind, the body, the soul; of faith, family, business, and life itself. To sustain is to hold something as a keeper, to carry it with a steady hand, a consistent presence, and a long obedience.

To sustain means to carry on. To nourish. To revive. To bring life back where things feel worn, broken, or dormant. When everything appears dry or depleted, He remains the keeper of strength and the provider of life. He sustains.

To sustain is also to keep a belief, a calling, a promise alive in the heart over time. Not through force, but through faithfulness. Not through haste, but through patience.

Everything I attempt in this coming year will be viewed through this lens, to sustain, to strengthen, to nourish. This is a season to slow down and be steady. We are in it for the long haul, and growth requires seasons of rest, regrowth, and reinforcement.

Roots must deepen before fruit multiplies.

He will be the Sustainer of my life, forever and always.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22