“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21
Most likely when you hear the word “reflection” you think of an image in a mirror or a pool of water. The word “reflection” has more than a few definitions, some of which can have spiritual implications, but for the moment, let’s focus on this meaning: “serious consideration”1 or “a thought, idea, or opinion formed, or a remark made as a result of meditation.”2
Living in the past is unhealthy in many ways, but we are exhorted throughout Scripture to reflect on (remember) the past so that we learn and grow from it; our faith and prayer muscles can be strengthened as we reflect on how God has worked previously in our lives. (Ex. 13:3, 32:13; Num. 15:39-40, Deut. 5:15, 7:18, 8:2; 1 Chron. 16:12; Psa. 63:6, 77:6, 77:11, 105:5, 143:5; Jer. 51:50; Eph. 2:12-16)
It is appropriate as this year draws to a close to spend time reflecting on the past 360-plus days:
– How has God been working in your life?
– How have you grown in faith and knowledge of God and His Word?
– What prayers have you seen answered?
– What blessings have enriched your life?
– What things of beauty, joy, and goodness has God brought into your life?
It’s important to pay attention to the many ways that God works in your life. Little moments of laughter and joy, words of comfort or a note of encouragement spoken into your life during times of trials, a smile or a hug from a friend or loved one when your heart is aching – so many ways that God wraps His arms around you to tell you that you are loved and that you are HIS.
Remind yourself that God is at work in the small things just as He is in the big, cataclysmic things of life. Often, it is the small blessings and the answers to “little” prayers that begin piling one upon another until you are overwhelmed by God’s blessing in your life.
When you stop to reflect on all that God has done in your life, you realize just how truly blessed you are.
Maybe you’re like me, it’s easy to overlook the small blessings – taking for granted little prayers that are beautifully answered. Easy to overlook and, if recognized, easy to forget! For that reason, this year I began journaling blessings and answered prayers. At first, I used one page at the beginning of my monthly prayer list to record blessings and answers to prayer. Then I moved the blessings/answered-prayer page to the end of my prayer list so that I could add a second page, then a third and a fourth. The more intentional and aware I became of the blessings and answers to prayers, the more I saw and the longer the list became each month.
Don’t overlook the many good things – the blessings and answers to prayer – that God showers upon you each day. Take a few minutes every day to reflect on God’s goodness in your life. Journal answers to prayers and blessings from the day prior – date each one, so that you have a time reference when you look back at the end of the year. As you write, praise God, and thank Him for His goodness to you!
After seven months in Philistine captivity (1 Sam. 6:1) and twenty years in Kiriath-jearim (1 Sam. 7:1-2), the Ark of the Covenant was finally returned to Jerusalem, the city of the King and the center of Israel’s worship. (2 Sam. 6:12-15) In 1 Chronicles 16, David’s song of thanksgiving for the Ark’s return is recorded. The song is a wonderful reflection on who God is, His mercies, His goodness, and His many blessings. (1 Chron. 16:8-15, 23-30, 34) And it is a great reminder to us of how we are to reflect upon God’s work and goodness in our lives and how we are to respond:
– Give thanks to the LORD (v.8)
– Don’t be afraid to tell others what God has done for you (v.8)
– Praise God for HIS wondrous works in your life (v.9)
– Take great joy in HIM (v.10)
– Seek the LORD, HIS presence, and HIS strength always (v.11)
– Reflect on HIS amazing works in your life (v.12)
– Remember YOU are a chosen one (v.13)
– Tell everyone about HIS redeeming love and salvation (v.23)
– Spread HIS marvelous works and HIS reputation among all peoples (v.24)
– HE is worthy of your praise (v.25)
– HE is your Creator and the Maker of the heavens and the earth (v.26)
– Splendor, majesty, strength, and glory are HIS (v.27, 29)
– Worship HIM (v.29)
– Give thanks to GOD for HE is Good (v.34)
– Rejoice in HIS steadfast, unending LOVE! (v.34)
I challenge you, each day in the New Year, take a few moments to journal or record on your phone at LEAST one blessing or answered prayer from the day before. Reflect daily on God’s goodness towards you – the many ways (big and small) that He demonstrates His love for you.
This type of intentional, God-focused, joy-filled reflection is in line with Paul’s instructions to the Philippians:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. . . .do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally. . .whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:4, 6-8
1 Googles’ English Dictionary (Oxford Languages)
2 Merriam-Webster.com