In a book I read years ago the author made a statement I’ll never forget. He said, “people will do everything else but take time to think”. He said it with a sense of astonishment and urgency as if so many were walking right past a pile of gold worth a fortune.
Now technically, we’re always thinking. His statement is focusing on the fact that we don’t intentionally set time aside to just think, to reflect and even pray.
To reflect means to think deeply and carefully. To consider. To ponder. To meditate. When we do this in partnership with the Holy Spirit, reflection becomes a powerful tool for us to discern His thoughts and plan our future.
Personally, I have to admit that slowing down enough to take my journal out to reflect and write is a challenge. To this day it’s a discipline that needs to be continually conquered.
Here are a few benefits regarding the power of reflection in light of breaking into the new year.
1. Reflection gives you a full perspective of the year. There are a lot of mountain tops and valleys throughout a year. Reflection gives you an overall perspective of many of the events that took place. This is important in that we have a propensity to think of all the things we didn’t or should of done. But in looking at the whole you see how God has guided you and has been faithful in so many ways.
2. Reflection provides a platform for the coming year. Reflection is catalytic toward creating a mindset toward a positive future. Having a full perspective of the previous year we can look forward to the new year with both faith and confidence. I refuse moving forward with unbelief. I am intentional about keeping my eyes fixed on God’s goodness and His amazing plan for my life.
3. Reflection takes both time and focus. Focus requires effort and effort requires time. If we are to wield the power of reflection to our advantage we are going to have to slow down enough to actually think, reflect, offer up thanksgiving and pray. There really is no getting around it. Carve out an afternoon or evening and grab your journal, Bible and a notepad and just begin. If you get past the first 5 minutes you will be well on your way to an amazing time with the Lord.
4. Reflection is prophetic. I pull out my prophetic words and review them making declarations over the Words I feel are from the Lord. In doing so my spirit and God’s Spirit come into agreement with His will for my life, exhorting and encouraging me to greater levels of faith and trust in God.
As we break into 2012 take time to reflect and regroup so you can head into the new year with a godly confidence.
Your thoughts?
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