Reflecting on God's Faithfulness in the Past Year

We're almost a week into the new year! This is a time when many of us reflect on the year past and those moments that shaped us the most. Looking back, we can see God's abundant provision, as it says in Psalm 65:11 NKJV, "You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance." This verse is an invitation to pause, look back, and recognize God's goodness, even in the midst of difficulties.

Why remember those challenging times? Reflecting on the past year isn't only about remembering the good things. It's also an opportunity to see how God's hand guided us, provided for us, and showed us His faithfulness each part of the year.

This post is about taking a look back and reflecting on how God was with us each day. Let this reflection inspire you and fill your heart with gratitude for what He has done.

Recognizing God's Presence

Psalm 23:4 NKJV says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Why is this verse great for reflecting on the past year? 

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that God is with us every moment. The verse is a metaphor for a shepherd caring for his sheep. In ancient times, the shepherd's rod and staff were used to protect their flock of sheep. Regarding us, the verse and its metaphor remind us that God is with us at all times. He is with us to provide, protect, and guide. We're always in His care. 

Walking "through the valley of the shadow of death" gives us a picture of everyday life. We are daily faced with dangers that present a "shadow of death." While we may not face literal death, there are other kinds of death we face, including the loss of loved ones, job loss, financial distress, health problems, and more. Jesus guides us through all of this and more each day. 

When our Good Shepherd guides us through each day, we don’t need to fear evil. Our Lord's constant presence is there to come between us and danger or fear. We know He is with us when He guides us with His rod and staff. We can take comfort from His presence and protection. 

When we reflect on God's presence in the last year, we can remember those moments when God offered His comforting assurance—in moments of uncertainty, sorrow, or joy. We can also take comfort in His provision over the year.

Reflection 

    1. Can you think of specific moments when you felt God's presence most strongly in 2024?

    2. How did God guide you through moments of uncertainty or difficulty?

Take time to pause and thank God for those moments of intimacy with Him where His comfort and direction were clear. His presence is a steady anchor, no matter the circumstances.

Bible Reference:

    1. Isaiah 41:10 NKJV: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Reflecting on God's Provision

God has also provided for us over the past year, and He provides for us abundantly. We may have been through health issues and needed emotional strength or spiritual nourishment. Rest assured that God has shown His provision in countless ways.

In Philippians 4:19 NKJV, Paul assures us, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This powerful promise reminds us that God never fails to meet our needs.

Reflection:

Now's the perfect time to take a moment and write down specific ways God provided for you in 2024—whether through unexpected financial support, renewed relationships, or even small acts of kindness. Reflecting on these moments will remind you that God's provision is abundant, even when it's not always obvious.

Bible Reference:

    1. Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV: "Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?" or 'What shall we wear?" For after all these things, the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Thanking God for Answered Prayers?

Yes! One of the most powerful ways to experience God's faithfulness is through answered prayers. As we look back over the year, we can see how God has answered our prayers in various ways. Sometimes, we may have received a "yes," while at other times, God's answer was "no." Sometimes we may tell us to "wait."

No matter what His answer is, rest assured that God is working for our good.

Actionable Tip:

Think back over the year. Try to find about five prayers that God answered over the last year. Write these down in a journal and thank God for how He responded to your needs, your desires, and your growth. This will remind you of His active presence in your life and encourage your faith.

Bible Reference:

    1. 1 John 5:14-15 NKJV: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

    2. Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Celebrating God's Abundant Blessings

It's easy to get caught up in the challenges of life and forget to recognize the blessings we experience daily. Yet, Psalm 103:2 NKJV reminds us, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." God blesses us in ways that we can't always perceive.

The Lord's many blessings may often go unnoticed, from the small moments of joy to the life-changing experiences of growth and breakthrough. The key is to be intentional in remembering and giving thanks.

Actionable Tip:

Start a "blessing jar" or a gratitude journal. How do these work?

Write down a blessing or something you are grateful for each day or week. At the end of the year, take time to review these notes and marvel at how God has been faithful in blessing you.

Bible Reference:

    1. James 1:17 NKJV: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

Growing in Faith and Trust

Our trust in the Lord often deepens as we reflect on His faithfulness. The challenges and blessings of the past year were all part of God's plan to grow our faith and deepen our trust in Him. Romans 8:28 NKJV reminds us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." 

We can trust that even when things didn't go as planned, God was still at work in us, shaping our character and strengthening our trust in His promises. 

Actionable Tip:

Reflect on areas where you've seen growth in your faith. Write down one area where you still feel God is calling you to trust Him more. Begin praying for greater faith and trust in that area as you enter the new year.

Bible Reference:

    1. Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

Conclusion

As we reflect on God's faithfulness over the past year, we're reminded that the same faithful God will continue to guide, provide, and bless us in this new year. We need to cultivate a heart of gratitude, remembering how He has been with us in the past and will continue to be with us into the future. 

When we take time to recognize His work in our lives, it helps us move forward with confidence in our Lord and in His promises. 

Closing Prayer:

Our Lord, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness over the past year. Thank You for Your provision, Your answered prayers, and Your abundant blessings. As we step into this new year, help us to trust You more deeply and to continue to recognize Your presence in every moment. May our hearts overflow with gratitude, and may we seek to honor You in all that we do.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

God bless,

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Have you reflected on God's faithfulness? Comment below! :)