Reflecting with Gratitude on the Years Successes & Challenges

Christmas is over, and the new year is just days away.

It is the time of the year when goals are set for the coming year.

As I was praying for all the people who would visit my blog and giving thanks for you, I asked the Holy Spirit how to encourage you and he gave me this word. Like all prophesy ask the Lord to confirm it.

"Before you embark on the new year, I, your loving heavenly Father want you to reflect on 2024 so that you can identify what you have achieved and overcome. Record it in your journal. Once you have done this, spend some time just giving thanks. In doing this, your heart will be in the right place to receive the instructions and revelations I have for you in 2025."

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Woman sitting by lake watching sunset with Bible and journal in hand

Reflections

To help you do respond to the prophecy, I have identified five areas on which to reflect. Feel free to add more.

For each area, ask yourself how God helped you during this time. What Scriptures did he give you, and how did it help you? Were any prophecies spoken over you fulfilled?

1. Achievements:

Reflect on your accomplishments, both big and small. Celebrate your progress and the milestones you’ve reached.

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”

2. Challenges:

Consider the difficulties you faced and how you overcame them. Identify the lessons learned and how they have shaped you.

James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Romans 5:3-4: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

3. Gratitude:

Think about the people, moments, and experiences you’re thankful for. Practicing gratitude can enhance your well-being and highlight the positive aspects of your life.

1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 118:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

4. Goals:

Review the goals you set at the start of the year. Assess which ones you achieved, which changed.

Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

5. Self-Care:

Reflect on how well you’ve cared for yourself physically and mentally. Identify the self-care practices that worked and areas for improvement.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

May these reflections and scriptures fill you with overflowing gratitude and guide you as you look back on the year and prepare for the next.

Let me know your greatest achievements this year so I can celebrate with you.

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My Prayer For You

I thank God for revealing more of his incredible love that he has for you through your achievements, challenges, the things you have overcome in this year.

I ask the Lord to fill your heart with overflowing gratitude for these experiences.

I ask the Lord to guide you, as you setting goals for the coming year2025 and then give you strategies to help you meet them.

I ask the Lord to give you clarity of vision for the new year. I pray you would hear his voice clearly as you set aside time to ask, seek and knock on the doors of opportunity he has for you.

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen