The Blessing and Benefits of Personal Reflection

Written By Carol

It’s the second day of 2026, yet do we feel any different? Has our “old” become miraculously new? While it would be nice, that’s not usually how life works. And if we’re honest, the first day of the new year, at least for most of us, doesn’t feel much different from the last day of the old one. Because of this, many of us find ourselves wondering: what now? what next?

If this describes you, as it does me, the good news is this is actually the best place we could possibly be. You see we often leap into the new year with excessive planning, scheduling, and goal setting. And while there is some merit to this fast-paced approach, what if instead we started “slow” with God, taking time to sit quietly with Him in prayer and personal reflection? To be clear, this isn’t wasted time—not by any means! Instead, it is a purposeful time. A critical time to talk with our loving Father, receive His direction, and hear His heart for what comes next. 

The Results of Reflecting with God

When we make time to reflect with God, the results are truly remarkable—most notably however, is hearing Him speak. And honestly, that’s astonishing on two levels: first, that the God of the universe speaks to us at all, and second, that He desires to. The fact is that He is always speaking. While He uses many creative ways to get our attention, He primarily speaks through His Word and His Spirit. But to hear Him clearly, we must quiet our hearts and create space to truly listen. And when we do, the results are abundant—beginning with the blessing.

“I will [listen with expectant hope to] what God the Lord will say…” Psalm 85:8 AMP

The Blessing

The blessing of personal reflection is found not only in hearing God, but also in meeting with God. When we sit with Him in stillness, we become aware of something profound—His Presence with us. And in this we are reminded that God is not distant, distracted, or removed from us. Instead, He is with us and this is where the blessing lies. You see, the blessing of reflection is not merely in what we receive, but far more significantly in Who we receive. We get God Himself. That changes everything.

It’s in His Presence that we become keenly aware of who He truly is—He is God (Psalm 46:10). And it’s in this same place that we realize who we are in and because of Him: loved, valued, protected, treasured, and cared for. As if this weren’t enough, God in His kindness adds even more—He adds benefits. Specifically, spiritual benefits that are the result of time spent with Him. The following are just a few of these:

  • Complete Joy — Psalm 16:11

  • Perfect Peace — Isaiah 26:3

  • Godly Wisdom — James 1:5

  • Spiritual Direction — Psalm 119:105

  • Renewed Strength — Isaiah 40:31

  • Deliverance from Fear — Psalm 34:4

  • Answered Prayer — Jeremiah 29:12

  • Forgiveness and Cleansing — 1 John 1:9

  • Renewed Hope — Lamentations 3:21

My friend, these are merely some of the many outstanding benefits that flow from quality and quantity time spent reflecting with God. And the good news is we’re not limited as to how many of these we can experience. Still, these benefits, just like the blessing, are only realized through committed, consistent time spent reflecting with God.

So, at the beginning of this new year, instead of excessive planning and scheduling, let’s make room for God. Room to listen to Him. Rest in Him. Wait on Him. Pray to Him. Lament with Him. Worship Him. If we do this, we will experience the blessing and benefits that always flow from time spent with Him. And honestly, what better way could we possibly begin our year than this?

Pray

Father God, thank You for inviting me to come to You, sit with You, and learn from You. I am so grateful for Your Presence in my life and for the privilege of hearing You speak. As I spend time reflecting with You, please transform my mind and heart to align with Yours. You are faithful, gracious, and consistently good. I praise you in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Reflect

Where do you sense God inviting you to slow down, listen, or pay attention as you begin this new year?

Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!

Carol
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