Happy New Year!
It’s hard to believe we’re saying goodbye to 2024 and preparing to embrace all that’s ahead in 2025. One of the traditions I’ve observed for years is to spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day reflecting on the previous year and praying for the days ahead. I like to read back through my journals for the year and reflect on what God has done.
I invite you to set aside some time this week to reflect on 2024 and look to Him for 2025. Here are some questions I use to help me reflect and refocus.
- What are the highlights of this past year? What brought me great joy? What new doors did God open?
- What are the low points of this past year? Disappointments, hard situations, deaths, changes? What doors did God close?
- How did God answer prayer?
- How have I grown in my relationship with Him?
- Do I love Jesus more today than I did a year ago? If not, how can I deepen my love for Him this coming year?
- What dreams do I have for this new year? What would I love to see God do in me, around me, and through me?
- What word and verse do I want to focus on this year?
I don’t always choose a word of the year, but God has laid on my heart the word faithful for 2025. As I’m now in the last chapter of my life, I want to be faithful to Him in this season, continuing to fulfill His purpose for me and building His kingdom. I feel like God wanted me to take 2024 to slow down and enjoy being with Him instead of running myself ragged every day. And now, I’m excited to see what God has ahead for me in 2025. I want to be faithful in carrying out His purpose.
My verse for the year is 1 Samuel 12:24 (ESV): “Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.”
If you have a word and/or verse for 2025, I’d love to hear what it is and why.
May this be the year our Lord returns. But if not, may we be faithful to carry out His work and purpose for us.
