Taking time for reflection is a critical practice. Reflection fosters learning, stimulates growth, calls for course corrections, identifies priorities and renews focus and energy. At the end of this crazy and challenging year, it is even more important to carve out quiet space to listen to God and reflect. To maximize this experience, set aside some time. Find a quiet space. If possible, keep a journal.
The main thing—as always—is to pray. Then take some time to reflect on each of the following things:
- Grieving—For many, it’s been a year of unyielding crisis, change, chaos and challenge. Hard decisions have been made, loneliness has been endured and there have been many losses. It’s been said that all change leads to loss and all loss leads to grief. No one likes to grieve, but grieving with God is a biblical, healthy and needed outlet.
The Psalms, in particular, are full of laments—real and honest grieving. David and others didn’t hold back their true feelings from God. They knew God already knew. They knew God was big enough to hear their heart cries. They also knew that by sharing their grief and heart cries with God, they were moving toward (not away from) deeper intimacy with God. Take some time to reflect. Don’t hold back or minimize. Be real and honest. What’s been hard in 2024? What’s been disappointing or a struggle? Who or what has been lost, or at least seems lost? You might take a look at Psalm 13.
2. Thanking—Even in hard years there are blessings, special surprises and concrete examples of God’s goodness and provision. Thankfulness breeds life and fights any sense of entitlement. We need to thank God and celebrate his goodness above all.
There are many Psalms of Thanksgiving. In Psalm 105 we are called, all circumstances, to “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” Take some time to reflect on: What are you thankful for? How have you seen God at work? How has he protected, provided, answered or helped?
3. Entrusting—How are you feeling about the year ahead? Whether you have hopes, dreams, fears or worries, you are called to entrust all to God. The end result is deeper peace, increased freedom and deeper connection with God.
Psalm 91 is perhaps the best psalm for trusting in God’s protection, shelter and refuge.
This “Wisdom Psalm” expresses the utmost confidence in Almighty God; the God who provides shelter for those who trust and take refuge in Him.
4. Burdens—What emotional, mental or physical burdens might you be carrying into this new year? Are there some people, situations, circumstances, unfinished business or uncertainties that are weighing on you? Don’t rush. Linger and reflect on what you are consciously and unconsciously carrying. Make a list if necessary. Taking this weight into the new year, even unconsciously, will hinder your rest at night and your peace in the day. You don’t have the strength to carry this weight. You can’t control the outcomes. Instead, you need to choose to entrust everything to God. Psalm 55, encourages us to “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
May the peace of Christ—which passes all understanding—be with you now and throughout the New Year!