2022 Year End Reflection Guide
For most people, the New Year holidays merely signal the end of one year and the time for a break. But as a follower of Jesus, we can learn from Moses, who asked of the Lord, "Teach us to number our days, so we may get a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12).
May I invite you to take some time to prayerfully Remember, Reflect, Repent, Renew, Refocus, Respond and Rest in the presence of the Lord. The Lord Jesus is giving us a chance to seek Him for a heart of wisdom, to turn the page on our old way of life and embrace a new beginning with Him in the coming year.
Remember - Prayerfully Recall and Create a Timeline
“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
Deuteronomy 8:18-19It can be a simple exercise to remember and map out significant events of the past 12 months. To do this, draw a horizontal line across the middle of a landscape page, with plenty of space above and below.
Prayerfully identify key events, people, etc. you experienced personally, professionally, spiritually, or with your family. Write the positive memories above the line and the not-so-great things below the line.
- Looking at the timeline, what am I thankful for?
- What was particularly difficult or painful for me?
Reflect
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24- What specific words or themes stand out in my timeline? Which were most significant?
- What is the current state of my being? (Obedience, humility, joy, worried, confused, etc.)
- How is my relationship with God?
- What has God taught me about Himself and how that impacts my relationships?
- What trials has God brought me through that He may want to use to encourage others?
- What new people have crossed my path that God may want me to develop a relationship with?
- What major life changes occurred that God may want to use as preparation for a new direction?
Repent
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Acts 3:19As we reflect in the presence of God, His goodness breaks us in fresh ways as our sin is exposed by the light of his glory. True confession and repentance always brings relief and joy. It is the gateway to greater intimacy with God.
- What am I hiding? What do I need to bring to the light before God?
- What has hindered my relationship with God? How should I deal with it?
- What do I need God to forgive? Who do I need to forgive?
Renew
New Year's should also be a time of renewing old commitments, like marriage, family, and church. Before we begin grand plans to lose weight or develop a new skill—good creational goals—let's begin by renewing the core commitments we already have.
- Who do I need to recommit myself to?
- What do I need to commit myself to?
Refocus
- What am I excited about in the coming year? What is one word, verse or phrase God is impressing in my heart?
- In what specific way can I be less self-focused and more God-focused?
- In what specific way can I bring God's presence in ordinary places?
- In what specific way can I better serve the least of these?
- What can I give away?
- Who can I invest in?
- How can I grow in my personal time and prayer life with God?
- How can I prepare for Christ's return?
Respond and Rest
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'”
Isaiah 30:15Take time to respond to the Lord in prayer and rest in His presence.
Need Further Support?
If you would like to further process this reflection guide through coaching for change, please contact:
John
HP: 85954905
[email protected]