He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
What does it mean to reflect on your life?
When we begin a relationship with Jesus, we start a lifelong journey of learning to become more and more like Him. A necessary part of this process is continually taking an honest inventory of our lives to see where we need to seek transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Self-reflection is a powerful tool we can use to grow closer to and encounter God in the inner workings of our hearts and lives. It may not come naturally to some of us, but it is a great spiritual practice that can truly deepen our relationship with God. It can build our faith and trust in Him and remind of us where we have been and where we are going.
Don't waste the moment.
God created us to grow from every moment, good and bad. If we waste difficult circumstances, ignore small blessings, or pass up opportunities, we ignore their lessons. At the conclusion of another year, why not take an intentional moment to look back and look ahead. Below are some starter questions you can use. Do what works for you and see how God speaks to your heart.
Looking Back
reflecting on last year
Where was God’s presence evident in my life last year? What prayers did He answer?
In what situations did I step out in front of God? Why?
What direction did God clearly lead me?
In what ways did God surprise me?
When have I felt disappointed? Why?
How did God use me this year for his kingdom?
How did God use me in the ordinary of life?
What private spiritual disciplines have worked to draw me closer to God?
How regularly have I created space of silence and solitude to rest in God’s presence and hear his voice?
What have I heard God say in a still, small voice?
Looking Ahead
Envisioning the coming year
What am I excited about in 2024?
What is one word to describe how God is prompting me to live in the next year?
Is there a verse or a short passage that gives voice to that challenge or characteristic?
In what specific way can I be less self-focused?
In what specific way can I be more God-focused?
In what specific way can I better serve the less fortunate and those around me?
How is God calling me to live for love, generosity, and peace?
What can I give away?
Who can or should I invest in? (an individual or demographic of people)
How can I grow my time with God? What spiritual disciplines should I incorporate or return to?
DAILY REFLECTION QUESTIONS
In 1729, a man named John Wesley wrote the following 22 questions for the private devotional use of a club called, The Holy Club, a group of Oxford University students who sought to live the fullness of the Christian life they read about in the Bible. If you’re considering adding self-reflection questions to your daily spiritual rhythm, these questions are a great choice. You can use all of them or select a couple each day.
Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am?
Am I honest in all my words and actions or do I exaggerate?
Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
Can I be trusted?
Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
Did the God’s Word (the Bible) live in me today?
Do I give God time to speak to me every day through His Word the Bible?
Am I enjoying prayer?
When did I last speak to someone new about my faith?
Do I pray about the money I spend?
Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
Do I disobey God in anything?
Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
Am I defeated in any part of my life?
Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
How do I spend my spare time?
Am I proud?
Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the tax collector?
Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
Do I grumble or complain constantly?
Is Christ real to me?
Questions about this page? Contact Pastor Jimmy George at jimmy@relevantcommunity.org