We often look forward to a new year, with all sorts of well intentioned ‘resolutions’.
But perhaps we don’t take enough time, in our busy lives, to look back. Amidst all the activity of the Christmas season this month, it might be very beneficial, spiritually, to reflect on 2013 and set aside some quiet moments to consider God’s dealings with us this past year.
Looking back is often encouraged in the Bible for God’s people, because it generates thanksgiving. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits’ (Psalm 103.2). Remembering how God has blessed us leads us to bless him, in praise and whole-life worship. It is a valuable exercise, because we forget very easily and the busier we are, the more likely we are to rush from one thing to the next, without focussing on how gracious and faithful God has proved himself to be to us. The old refrain runs, ‘Count your blessings; name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.’
