“New year, new you!”
*Groans inwardly*
Is anyone else tired of hearing this phrase?
Maybe I’m being cynical, but rarely (in my experience) does a resolution at the start of the year lead to consistent life-change. What does work, at least for me, is intentional processing through the previous year and recognizing God’s work in my life.
This is hard to do by the time the end of the year rolls around, so I like to take some time to ask myself some questions and thank God for events within the last year—as well as pray through some things I’m anxious about or am struggling to appreciate.
Will you join me in giving yourself the time and space to reflect?
I know it’s a sacrifice—”busy” is a word we use constantly, after all—but it’s worth it to process and refocus at the start of a new year.
7y666666666666678y <—–This line was courtesy of our cat. He likes to help.
Below are some verses and questions that have helped me. I pray that we would be encouraged and challenged as we look back on the past year and give ourselves the time to do it.
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Prompts for Processing
Read something you wrote early this year—Maybe something from a journal, Bible study, or paper you wrote. Remember the events and circumstances you were in at that time to help you think back.
Pray, asking for clarity and for help with distractions while you reflect.
Write down something you remember from each month this year—it could be anything!
Read Psalm 90
-What does this Psalm teach us about God’s character?
-What words are used to describe God?
-How does knowing God’s character aid you in the ups and downs? (Verse 14)
-In what specific areas of life do you need more wisdom? (Verse 12)
-What comfort can we find in verse 10’s assertion that “soon it is gone and we fly away”?
-How does God’s consistency and faithfulness juxtapose the years’ inconsistency?
What is something you were originally disappointed or upset by this year that you now see differently?
Is there an area of life you are struggling to trust God with in this new year?
What themes recurred in your life this past year?
Spend some time looking ahead to the new year by praying and recognizing hopes and fears you may have. How does what you read in Psalm 90 helpful with this?
Let me know how I can be praying for you as we move into this new year!
-Carmen
