By Grace Through Faith

Recently, I read a book called Wintering by Katherine May. The beginning of the year can be an exciting time for some – those ready for a fresh start & new rhythms! However, it can also be a challenging time as well. From living in the cold weather & noticing the dark long evenings, some may not thrive in this season as much as others. What inspired me in this book was how winter is a meaningful time to rest & reflect.

As a new year begins it may be a time where you reflect on the past year or the past month – reflecting on the highs & lows. However, reflection isn’t something we only do at the beginning of the year. The Bible calls us to reflect & meditate on the law of the Lord day & night. 

“but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.”- Psalm 1:2 

As we seek the Lord each day, we also are called to remember what He has done in our lives. Recalling on His character & faithfulness.

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered” – 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 

Not only do we recall & reflect on what the Lord has worked in & through our own lives on Earth, but we recall what He has also done BEFORE we were even born.

Scripture gives us hope through the story of Christ. God’s love is so vast for us. Even though sin entered the world, God made a way for us to have a restored relationship with Him, through sending His son to pay for our debt. Because Jesus defeated death & sin, we have an eternal hope.

Reflection is an action we should use each new day – recalling on the gospel, what it means for us personally & how it changes the meaning of our days spent on Earth. It moves our hearts to be transformed, humbled, & renewed, knowing our greatest need is truly Christ. 

Lately, I have been writing in my prayer journal in the morning & at the end of the day. I cherish this time because it allows me to sit with God, notice where I am at, & He always meets me right there. Jesus did not promise us an easy life in this world. We will face hardships, heartache, & pain. However, we will also have times of laughter, excitement, & fun. All that we encounter through our days, He promises to be with us. We can draw near to Him through it all.

With love,

Claire