This post is all about my 2022 end-year Christian reflection
It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone. As we approach the end of 2022, it’s a good time for reflection.
In this post, I’d like to share some things I’ve learned in the past year. These lessons have been gleaned through personal experience as well as scripture. May they be of benefit to you as you reflect on the year that has passed and look ahead to what lies ahead.
Ready? Let’s begin…
My reflection process
I feel the need to mention that I observe Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) as well as the Gregorian New Year. I write about this in detail in my blog post titled, “7 Tips for Christians to Prepare & Celebrate Rosh Hashanah| Jewish New Year.”
Rosh Hashanah (September/October) serves as a time for self-reflection and repentance. The Gregorian New Year (January 1st) also encourages introspection and self-assessment. During these times, I am encouraged to look at aspects in my life that may be out of balance and areas where I can improve.
I believe reflection is an essential exercise for Christians. It’s not just about reflecting on our past year or setting resolutions for the upcoming one – it’s also about learning from our mistakes and growing spiritually in the process. I’m grateful to have this time of year to take a step back from my day-to-day life and focus on what matters most.
10 Insightful Takeaways: My 2022 End-Year Christian Reflection
1. Prayer is Vital
For me, 2022 has been a reminder that prayer is an indispensable part of the Christian life. As we learn in Jeremiah 29:12, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”
In 2022, it has become increasingly clear that time spent with God in prayer is essential to maintain a healthy spiritual life.
2. Fasting
Another valuable lesson learned is that fasting is an essential spiritual discipline for Christians. Fasting not only has physical benefits but can also deepen one’s relationship with God. Through fasting this year, I received some mind-boggling breakthroughs! Glory to God!
As explained in Isaiah 58:6-7, “Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless into your house; when you see the naked, cover him…”
3. Patience, Perseverance, and Suffering
2022 has also been a time to learn patience, perseverance, and suffering. I’ve learned that there will always be difficult times in our lives, but we can press on with assurance by relying on God and His strength during these moments.
In James 1:2-4 we are told, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces patience. And let patience have its perfect work so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
P.S Check out my recent post and reflection on suffering titled, “31 Biblical Truths About Suffering and Why God Allows Suffering.”
4. Life is Short
A few days ago, one of my elementary (primary) schoolmates died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. She was only 35. As a result, this year has taught me that life is short and it is important to live our lives purposefully. This has been an awakening reminder of the importance of living out our purpose rather than wasting our life in pursuits that bring no lasting fulfillment or satisfaction.
As written in James 4:14, “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”
5. Friends are Important
This year also taught me how meaningful friendships could be in helping us stay connected to God and grow spiritually. This reminded me to cultivate relationships with friends who will stay by our side when times get tough and support us spiritually.
Proverbs 17:17 tells us, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
6. Rest is Important
The year 2022/5782 was a Shemitah Year, as laid out in Leviticus 25:1-7. This year has been a crucial reminder of the importance of rest within our lives and ensuring that we setting aside time for rest and rejuvenation. Through this year, I’ve been able to reset in order to continue to serve God with energy and enthusiasm. As Psalm 23 puts it, “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters…”
7. Take Care of Yourself
This year has also been an important reminder to take care of myself, to love and respect my body as a temple for the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
I’ve learned the value of setting aside time for rest, eating healthy meals, and engaging in regular exercise- they are all essential for maintaining physical and emotional health so that I can be available for service to God.
8. God is working behind the scenes
God is always in control and working behind the scenes even when things seem silent or difficult. As Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This year has been a reminder that even in the midst of difficult times and uncertainties, we can take comfort in knowing that God is faithful and His love endures forever.
9. Have faith in God’s plans for us!
This year taught me that even when we cannot see the way, keep believing God has good plans for us.
As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
I’ve undoubtedly learned the importance of faith and trust in God and His plans for us, even when the path ahead is unclear.
10. Believe in God’s report over man’s report
No matter what the world may say, we must always keep our faith in God and His promises. As Isaiah 53:1 says, “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
Year 2022 has been a reminder to keep believing in God and His promises no matter what.
And that’s it, folks, My 2022 End-Year Christian Reflection
In conclusion, This has been a year of spiritual growth and understanding. Through prayer, fasting, patience, and perseverance, I have come to see life in a new light and find joy in the small moments that make up my life.
As the Year 2023 approaches, I’m reminded of prioritizing my spiritual well-being above all else. May the upcoming year be full of God’s blessings and grace!
My final reminder is that we can learn to trust in the Lord more deeply and surrender all our worries and anxieties to Him through prayer. He will provide us with the strength and courage to face whatever challenges come our way.
P.S Here is a video that I recorded a while back about end year reflection and planning!
Hugs,
It is always good to take time and reflect especially at the end of the year.
Would love it if you share your experiences with fasting. Has this always been a discipline you followed or have grown in it.
Thanks Heather.
Hello Manu! Yes, end-year reflection is very helpful! Fasting has been an amazing discipline. I used to fast in highschool but it wasn’t from the heart. I was a Bible Study leader and would just do it begrudgingly. So I never saw any results until around sometime last year when I dove deep into understanding the true meaning of fasting. I’ve witnessed remarkable turn around. I want to write about King Jehoshaphat and the fasting blueprint he used because I have witnessed some amazing things that was supernatural. I also notice that my prayer life is ignited after a fast. I’m more bold and less fleshly. I find that my faith is energized. I have done the sunset fasts over the past few years but the Esther fast (dry fast) has been amazing!! God bless you my sister.
I would love to read anything you share about king Jehoshaphat and the fasting blueprint he used.
I never fasted before. It was not something that was front and centre of the teaching in the churches we were in. But last year, God has been nudging me to do so and I sat on it for a while. Then he kept sending me so many prompts through writing I read that I was like, ok I am paying attention. But I must say it has been hard to get into the discipline of fasting. I have not yet managed to go for a complete fast. I do a partial one from food coupled with a media fast as I do not want to end up sitting on my phone when I feel the slump without food. But I do want to spend time with God when I fast.
God bless you Heather 💙💐