Reflection Guide

Reflection Guide

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 prayerfullyRemember, 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.

1. Remember - Prayerfully Recall and Create a Timeline for 2022

“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. 19 And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish.” (Deut. 8:18-19)

It 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 on a yellow post-it note place it above the line. Write the not-so-great things on a pink post-it note and place it below the line. It may be helpful to use your calendar or journals to help you to recall.

Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, please quiet me, help me to focus and recall

  1. Looking at the timeline, what am I thankful for in 2022?
  2. What was particularly difficult or painful for me in 2022?

2. 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)

  1. What specific words or themes that stand out in my timeline? Which were most significant? Does anything surprise you?
  2. What is the current state of my being? (Obedience, humility, joy, worried, confused, etc). What are the reasons?
  3. How is my relationship with God? Am I closer to Him or farther from Him or stagnant? What are the reasons?
  4. What has God taught me about Himself (who He is and how He works) and how that impact my relationship with Him and others?
  5. What trials and difficulties has God brought me through this year that He may want to use to comfort and encourage someone else who are undergoing similar circumstances?
  6. What new people have crossed my path this year that God may want me to develop a relationship with?
  7. What major life change events or learning experience occurred that God may want to use as a preparation for a new direction or ministry?

3. 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 3:19)

As 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. It is not meant to be a morbidly introspective process; as we claim the promise of 1 John 1:9, we know our forgiveness has already been purchased at the cross. That is why true confession and repentance always brings relief and joy. It is the gateway to greater intimacy with God.

  1. What am I hiding? What do I need to bring to the light before God?
  2. What lies, temptations, addictions, sins, distraction, etc. have I exposed myself to and has hindered my relationship with God? How should I deal with it?
  3. What do I need God to forgive? Who do I need to forgive?

Dear Lord,

I confess…

I repent…

4. 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.

  1. Who do I need to recommit myself to?
  2. What do I need to commit myself to?

Dear Lord, By the power of the Holy Spirit, I ask you to renew me in …

5. Refocus

  1. What am I excited about in year 2023? What is one word, verse or phrase God is impressing in my heart to live out?
  2. In what specific way can I be less self-focused and more God-focused?
  3. In what specific way can I bring God’s presence in ordinary places?
  4. In what specific way can I better serve the least of these? (Marginalised, poor, widow, etc)
  5. What can I give away? (Share your resources with those with a need)
  6. Who can I invest in? (Maybe not a specific person but maybe general type: a younger woman, child, neighbor, or co-worker.)
  7. How can I grow in my personal time and prayer life with God?
  8. In view of the signs of the end times, how can I prepare for Christ’s return?

6. 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, but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15)

Dear Lord, ….

Note: If you would like to further process this reflection guide through coaching for change, please contact John at HP: 85954905 or email: [email protected]