DECEMBER: MY MONTH OF REFLECTION

Title: DECEMBER: MY MONTH OF REFLECTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Lamentations 3:40
Supporting Texts: Psalm 90:12, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, James 4:14

INTRODUCTION:
As the year comes to a close, December provides a unique opportunity to reflect on our journey. Reflection involves looking back to assess our walk with God, relationships, achievements, and challenges. It helps us learn from the past, gain clarity for the future, and align our lives with God’s purpose.

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF REFLECTION

a) Reflection Strengthens Your Walk with God:
Taking time to review your spiritual growth helps you identify areas needing improvement (2 Corinthians 13:5).

b) It Helps You Number Your Days Wisely:
Reflecting on time reminds you of life’s brevity and the importance of making every moment count (Psalm 90:12).

c) Encourages Gratitude for God’s Faithfulness:
Looking back on God’s goodness inspires thanksgiving and trust for the future (Psalm 103:2).

d) Promotes Personal Growth and Development:
Reflection highlights lessons learned, shaping you into a better version of yourself (Proverbs 4:7).

Biblical Example: David often reflected on God’s faithfulness in his psalms, strengthening his relationship with God (Psalm 77:11-12).

2. REFLECTION BRINGS CLARITY FOR THE FUTURE

a) It Helps You Set Spiritual Goals:
Reflecting on your spiritual journey enables you to set meaningful goals for the coming year (Philippians 3:13-14).

b) Encourages You to Realign with God’s Purpose:
Reflection helps ensure that your life aligns with God’s will and plan (Jeremiah 29:11).

c) It Highlights Areas of Correction:
Honest reflection reveals mistakes and provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness and change (1 John 1:9).

d) Provides Vision and Direction:
Reflection clarifies God’s vision for your life and gives direction for the next season (Habakkuk 2:2-3).

Biblical Example: After his reflection and encounter with God, Moses led the Israelites with renewed vision (Exodus 3:7-10).

3. REFLECTION DEEPENS RELATIONSHIPS

a) Helps You Appreciate Loved Ones:
Reflecting on relationships encourages gratitude for the people God has placed in your life (Philippians 1:3).

b) Encourages Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
Reflection helps you identify areas of conflict and seek peace (Matthew 5:23-24).

c) Promotes Intentionality in Building Relationships:
Reflection encourages you to invest time and effort in nurturing godly connections (Proverbs 27:17).

d) It Highlights the Need for Fellowship:
Reflection reminds you of the importance of staying connected to the body of Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Biblical Example: Paul often reflected on his relationships with churches, leading to prayers and letters of encouragement (2 Timothy 1:3-5).

4. HOW TO ENGAGE IN REFLECTION EFFECTIVELY

a) Set Aside Quiet Time:
Find a place and time to be alone with God for reflection (Mark 1:35).

b) Pray for God’s Guidance:
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas needing attention and growth (John 16:13).

c) Use God’s Word as a Mirror:
Scripture helps you evaluate your life according to God’s standards (James 1:23-25).

d) Document Your Reflections:
Writing down insights, lessons, and goals helps you track your progress and remember God’s faithfulness (Habakkuk 2:2).

Biblical Example: Nehemiah reflected on Jerusalem’s ruins, leading to a vision for restoration (Nehemiah 1:3-11).

5. BENEFITS OF A MONTH OF REFLECTION

a) Spiritual Renewal:
Reflection refreshes your spirit and strengthens your relationship with God (Isaiah 40:31).

b) Increased Gratitude:
Reflecting on God’s goodness fills your heart with thanksgiving (Colossians 3:15).

c) Improved Decision-Making:
Reflection helps you make wiser choices based on past experiences (Proverbs 3:5-6).

d) Greater Focus and Purpose:
Reflection clarifies your priorities and aligns your life with God’s purpose (Matthew 6:33).

Biblical Example: After reflecting on God’s promises, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land with renewed courage (Joshua 1:7-9).

CONCLUSION:

December is a season to pause, reflect, and realign. As you reflect on the year, let gratitude, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God fill your heart. Remember, God is preparing you for greater things in the coming year.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to reflect and learn from the past year.

2. Father, align my heart and life with Your purpose.

3. Thank You for Your faithfulness throughout the year.

4. Lord, give me clarity and vision for the future.

5. Help me to grow spiritually and in all areas of my life.

6. Lord, renew my strength and zeal for Your work.

7. Father, heal and restore every broken relationship in my life.

8. Teach me to number my days and apply my heart to wisdom.

9. Let my life be a testimony of Your grace and mercy.

10. Father, prepare me for a fruitful and impactful new year.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. As you reflect, the Lord will grant you clarity and renewed vision.

2. Your heart will be filled with gratitude for God’s faithfulness.

3. Every lesson from this year will prepare you for greater success.

4. God will align your life with His purpose for the coming year.

5. You will experience spiritual and personal growth like never before.

6. Broken relationships will be healed and restored.

7. The Lord will crown this year with His goodness for you.

8. You will enter the new year with renewed strength and zeal.

9. Every challenge you faced this year will turn into a testimony.

10. Your December reflections will pave the way for divine breakthroughs in the coming year.