When it comes to life, looking backward can often help you move forward.
Have you reflected on this past year so that you can plan for what lies ahead?
How was your year? Were your days so full that it was hard to see the big picture? Did the routines feel so mundane that the wheels of life seemed to spin thoughtlessly? Did you feel blessed with a balance of work, play, and rest?
In any case, looking over the past year through the lens of purpose and growth is a valuable exercise to encourage living with meaning. As believers, our meaning should be grounded in God and our relationship with him through Jesus. Our growth should stem from the Holy Spirit’s work in us.
When we live fully in the Lord, we bring honor to him who created us.
When we review God’s blessings in our life and how he has worked, we are encouraged as his child. Not only does it bring glory to our Father as our provider, but it reminds us that we can trust his goodness. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2 ESV).
When we humbly accept God’s words of truth, we grow in his fullness for us. “… receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21b-22 ESV).
When we meditate on the words of God, we are transformed as the Spirit works in us. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV).
When we examine our heart in light of God’s truths and ask God to examine us, we practice surrender to his will. “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV, letter X in Keep on Track Volume 2).
When we plan our endeavors under God’s leadership, we rely on his wisdom and purposes. “The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9 ESV).
When we live in the light of God’s love and truth, we experience his peace, joy, and strength. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV).
Looking back at what God teaches in the Word, we can move forward in the ways that honor him.
Are you ready to move forward in the Lord this next year? Working through a Heart Training book will take you through six months of daily spiritual growth so you can grow in godliness!