New Year’s Eve Reflections

I can’t remember the last time that I made a New Year’s resolution. I’m not a fan of making grand commitments that I probably won’t keep. But I am a fan of New Year’s Eve reflections. For me, this means stopping to take stock of the past year. In the constant press toward “what’s next,” it’s easy to forget all the good things that have happened in the past. It’s also easy to lose sight of all the ways that God has provided for me and met me in the past, in both the high points and the difficult moments. So if you’d like to engage in a New Year’s Eve reflection this year (which doesn’t have to be done on Dec 31), here’s a suggestion. Start by reading chapters 6 through 8 of Deuteronomy. I’m sure you’re thinking, “What?!? Isn’t that the book with a name that is translated ‘repetition of the law.’?” It is, and it is also a great way to begin your reflection. After you finish this reading, here are a few questions to consider:

• How has God provided for your needs this year? Have you thanked God for this?
• In what ways did you benefit this year from the work of others and from things that you did not build?
• What enemies or obstacles has God removed from your path?
• Does success tend to go to your head? Do you believe that you’re the master of your destiny, forgetting that every good gift comes from God?
• As you look ahead to 2017, what fears do you have? Do you trust that God will go before you and walk beside you?

I wish you a blessed New Year, and the blessings that come from reflecting on God’s provision in the old year. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>