At the conclusion of the Christmas season, as the year winds to a close, the majority of us experiences a natural shift in anticipation of a new year. For some this is a welcomed transition. Others however, prefer to linger in the holiday bubble. Still a few are neutral or undecided. Regardless, at midnight on December 31, an unseen calendar page mysteriously turns, and a new year officially begins.

Apart from the overachievers who have already done so, the first task of the new year will probably be taking down the tree and undecorating. Once cleared and clean we progress to step two of the new year to do list: goal setting, desk cleaning, resolution making, thank you card writing and calendar setting. This is generally the predictable new year beginning for the majority.

Then as if in a flash, it’s suddenly Valentine’s Day! Six weeks have passed, and the new year truthfully doesn’t even feel new anymore. It’s at this point we realize that apart from the recent gym membership, updated bible reading plan, new calendar, planner and winter sweaters, the new year, apart from a few minor changes, seems pretty much like the old. Although we pause to contemplate this, we do so only briefly in our newly zealous resolve to stay on task with the goals and resolutions we’ve made for the coming year.

As I ponder this cycle, I am led to consider that perhaps, as I end this year and begin a new one, it might be altogether wise and prudent to linger, even momentarily, for some healthy time in personal reflection. I believe this intentional pause, rather than delay, may actually be the catalyst in moving us successfully forward with renewed vision and purpose. In light of this, I propose that before we wrap up this year and unwrap the next, we present ourselves with one final gift: the gift of personal review.

In Psalm 139 King David left us a beautiful blueprint regarding how to effectively go about this process. If you know anything about Israel’s second monarch, then you are aware he was far from perfect, much like us. While David made some really poor choices during his reign, for which he suffered greatly, he also continually turned to God in true repentance, wholehearted worship and authentic dialog.

David begins his personal, soul-bearing psalm with the acknowledgement that God is intimately acquainted with every detail of his life.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!”
Psalm 139:1 (ESV)

He further recognizes that God is continually and constantly with him.

“I look behind me and you’re there, to…Your reassuring presence, coming and going”
Psalm 139:5 (MSG)

And this knowledge is not perceived as overbearing, but rather as amazing.

“This knowledge is too wonderful – I can’t take it all in” Psalm 139:6 (MSG)

And finally the revelation of Yahweh’s loving presence with David results in heartfelt worship.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Psalm 139:14 (ESV)

David’s confident assurance that he was dearly loved, seen and cared for by a perfect Father is beautifully depicted in this psalm. And because of this he was empowered to be honest, transparent and real before a Holy God, even inviting Him to turn on a search light into his heart.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV)

The final words of this psalm are a beautiful portrayal of what it looks like to walk intimately and confidentially with God. Our Father formed us, sees us, knows us and loves us. He invites us into intimate, soul-searching, sin-revealing dialog with Him for the purpose of restoring, renewing and cleansing. It is only through this process that we are empowered to walk freely forward with the purposes He has planned for us.

So this year, rather than leaping into the new one with a long list of resolutions, goals and to do’s, I am newly inspired to unwrap the final gift of the year: quality time in reflection with my heavenly Father in prayer, listening to His voice. Because God’s thoughts towards me are precious, too great to be numbered, and further because I am assured according to scripture that His plans for me are good, I will commit to sit quietly with Him in open and honest communication before I proceed with my own plans in this new year.

My friend, perhaps consider if this is a commitment that God is calling you to make as well. Our Father loves us and His ways and plans for us are always best!

How great is this!?

Extend grace to others! If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes For You with a friend.

For Reflection:

  • Take some time alone with God in quality reflection in review of this past year.
  • What were your high’s, low’s and in-between’s? Record this information in a journal.
  • Next, write a prayer of gratitude for your personal triumphs as well as trials, acknowledging that God uses all things to work together for your good and His purpose.