The following spiritual exercise is designed to help you reflect back as 2014 comes to a close. You can download a pdf for print here.
Find a quiet place to relax where you will not be disturbed by others. Set aside your computer, phone, or any other items which might vie for your attention. You will need some writing paper and a pen or pencil for journaling.
Turn your attention to the truth that God is with you in these moments. Be still and rest for a minute in that awareness. Take a few deep breaths and relax any part of your body that seems tense.
Consider these verses from Psalm 107:1-3
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
In light of these verses, spend a few minutes prayerfully reflecting on the events of this past year in your life. Make note of circumstances, relationships, successes, frustrations, grief etc. that come to your mind, and write them down. Ask God to bring to your attention anything that you might not have listed but that He feels is important to review.
When you are done writing, take a few minutes to ponder the list. What do you notice? How do you feel?
Now consider these verses from Psalm 107:8-9
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
As you look over your list, where have you seen God at work satisfying the longing of your soul? What would you like to express to God?
Are there places where you are still waiting for God? What would you like to ask Him?
Look over your list again with these new verses in mind.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he shatters the doors of bronze
and cuts in two the bars of iron. Psalm 107:15-16
Do you observe any situations in which you saw God break through barriers in your life or in the lives of those you love? What would you like to say to God?
Are there places where you are still waiting for God to have the victory? Ask God if there is anything He would like to tell you.
Now listen to these words from Psalm 107:21-22.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
As you look over your list again, do you observe natural places for joy and thanksgiving? Express your gratitude to God.
Do you also see events that are hard to be grateful for? How might God be loving you even in those difficult memories? Spend a few moments talking honestly with God about your feelings.
As you look over your list one more time, reflect on these verses.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalm 107:31-32
In light of your list and your time with God in this reflection, how has this year become part of your testimony? Is there something from your story that God would like you to share with another person? Ask God how you can praise Him to others for His involvement in your life this past year.
End this reflection time by thanking God in a way that is meaningful for you; sing a praise song, pray out loud, sit in silence, take a walk, write a short poem of praise etc.
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD. Psalm 107:43