“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate [reflect] on your mighty deeds” ~ Ps.77:11-12
The Need to Reflect
For the past several years, I’ve set aside a day in December to prayerfully reflect on what the Lord has been doing in my life and ministry over the past year. These times of reflection, prayer, and journaling are always profoundly humbling and encouraging. This past week, I was able once again to zoom out and reflect on the many ways God has shown His goodness to us(Ps. 111:2-4; 145:1-21).
There are three major parts to this time of reflection. First, I jot down the most significant blessings I’ve experienced over the past year. I also note how the Lord has worked specifically in answer to prayer. As you can imagine, this step of thanksgiving and praise is incredibly refreshing. Next, I write about the biggest struggles I’ve been wresting with. As I reflect on these challenges, I ask the Lord to help me discern what might be lying at the root of these struggles (ex. unbelief, pride, etc.). Finally, I write out the major lessons that the Lord has been teaching me throughout the year.
As a testimony to God’s faithfulness, I thought I would share with you some of the things that the Lord has been teaching me. Perhaps the Lord has been teaching you some of these same lessons as well.
Taking Time to Reflect: Lessons Learned in 2022
God wants me to be fully present in the moment
Jim Elliot famously stated, “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” Sadly, I’m not always “all there” in the situations God places in front of me. Far too often, I’m physically present but emotionally or mentally somewhere else. I allow distractions or thoughts about what’s next to keep me from being fully present in the moments and with the people God places in front of me each day. The Lord has been teaching me that each moment, opportunity, and relationship is a gracious gift and stewardship from Him. I want to be fully present in these moments so that I can experience all that He wants to do in and through my life for His glory.
What the Lord is trying to do in me is far more important than what it appears He is doing through me
God’s goal for the Christian life is to make us more like His Son (Ro. 8:28-30). The fruit that the Spirit produces in our lives is Christlike character (Gal. 5:22-24). Nearness to Christ is the “one needful thing” Jesus calls us to pursue (Luke 10:38-42). I know these things conceptually, but I often get more excited about activity than intimacy. My ideas of fruitfulness (ex. ministerial influence) aren’t always in line with God’s definition of fruitfulness (see Galatians 5:22-24). Thankfully, the Lord has been reminding me that He is far more interested in who I’m becoming than what it appears I’m accomplishing.
Intentional gratitude fuels joyful contentment
We are a restless society. Everywhere we go, we see people who aren’t satisfied or at rest with their present situation. The problem isn’t just “out there” in the unbelieving world. It’s widespread in the church as well. Why aren’t we content? There are many reasons why, but one major contributor is our lack of gratitude. The Psalms consistently exhort us to “come into His presence with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise” (Ps. 100). Encouraged by the Scriptures and godly example of others, I have by God’s grace sought to intentionally begin each day thanking God for who is He and what He has done, is doing, and will do for me through Christ. The result has been an ever-deepening joy in God and contentment with His providence.
There’s never a lack of ministry opportunities for an encourager
I don’t know too many people who are feeling overly-encouraged these days. Do you? Sadly, few Christians have godly friends who consistently, patiently, intentionally, and lovingly encourage them in their growth in grace. If you’re looking to be a part of a God-glorifying, life-giving ministry, can I encourage you to take up the ministry of encouragement? It doesn’t take a lot of time, but it can make all the difference in the world (Pr. 25:11).
I need to be patient and gentle when dealing with people in their struggles
There’s a reason God’s Word exhorts us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath (James 1:19-20). None of us are naturally patient. Some of us are more prone to the sin of impatience than others. While there are certainly folks who need to be dealt with severely (ex. Matt. 23:1-36; Titus 1:13), most Christians need a lot more patient, grace-filled care. As Colossians 3:12 reminds us, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” May the Lord grant us grace to be conduits of His patience in the lives of His people.
I must die to self if I am going to be fruitful for Christ
To be fruitful for Christ, I must abide in Christ. As I abide in Him, I must die to my rights, ideas, desires, and ambitions. I must embrace the mindset of Christ to pursue a life of humble, self-denying service (Phil. 2:1-11). Death leads to life (Jn. 12:24; 2 Cor. 4:10-12). Each day, I must die to self in order to be fruitful for Christ.
Conclusion
I know that things can get hectic around this time of year, but can I encourage you to take time to reflect on what the Lord has been doing in your life this past year? As the Psalmist reminds us, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all you work, and meditate/reflect on your mighty deeds.”
