As this year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the blessings of past year.
Every year I gain greater peace by setting aside one day of reflection to thank and praise God for all his goodness to me. I have many reasons to praise him for what he did this year.
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Reflecting Back on the Past Year
Each year is full of both blessings and sorrows. Challenges and joys. Setbacks and accomplishments. I take time to reflect and thank God for how much he has taught me in the past 12 months.
I’ve got a naturally reflective personality, but maybe you don’t. Today I’ll share my tips for how to reflect on the past year so you can see how much your faith has grown.
Here are five easy tips to inspire your reflection:
1. Go through the photos on your phone. As you look at the photos, remember the moments when you took them. Think about your feelings and what you were doing at the time. Use these moments to offer God thanks and praise.
2. Scroll through your social media posts. You may be surprised at how much has changed in your life as you survey your social updates. Even if you shared tough things online, dig in deep to look for reasons to praise God anyway.
3. Search your Sent folder. I don’t do this very often, and maybe that’s why my email storage is usually clogged. But when I take the time to look at my sent emails, I notice my thoughts and feelings that I shared. They usually hint at ways I can give God the credit for all he’s done in my life.
4. Check your 25 most-played songs on your phone. God uses music to speak to me at key moments in my life. When I listen to my most-played songs, I remember the times and places that they touched me. I thank God for using these songs at important points in my faith walk.
5. Revisit your journal. I know many of you who read my blog are writers. If you keep a journal (or a blog), visit your posts and reflect on the ways God has grown your faith in the past year. I guarantee you’ll see a big difference between January and December!
Use any of these methods to compile a list of faith milestones for the past year. Then spend 15 minutes alone with God, praising him for everything he taught you along the way.
Making Reflection Easier for Next Year
Moving forward into next year, make it easier to reflect next December by keeping a gratitude journal. It can be as fancy or as plain as you wish. Simply record several items every day (or at least once per week) to keep track of your blessings. Then you’ll be able to flip through it and thank God all over again at the end of next year.
While you are reflecting, meditate on these verses:
I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
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