By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Summer has faded for another year, and with it, the warm easy days of June, July, and August are behind us. Perhaps this is a time for spiritual reflection. We’ve experienced great memory-making moments, challenges, growth, and possibly times we’d like to forget. Every moment is an opportunity for us to choose our responses. Will we glorify God or learn from a mistake, repent, ask for forgiveness, stand again, and move forward?
Some of us may be afraid to face our mistakes, and some of us may run from them. But evaluating our motivations and our reactions and responses to life, although painful, shows courage and faith. The process is physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.
What does the Bible say about reflection?
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV).
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV).
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).
Victory
Moses wrote for not only the Israelites but also for us today.
“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4).
David wrote this Psalm before going into battle. He understood the source of our strength.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7 NIV).
When we are victorious in our struggle against sin, Paul instructs us how to respond:
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV).
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” Romans 8:37 NIV).
Confession
In Lamentations, we are encouraged to face our weaknesses. They were facing the consequences of their actions and understood only God could heal them.
“Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40 ESV).
The Prophet Isaiah tells us we are not abandoned.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV).
Take Joy!
The Apostle John shares this truth:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ESV).
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4 ESV).
James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote:
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 ESV).
Paul fills us with joy.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 3:13 ESV).
God knows our strengths and flaws, so acknowledge them to the One who loves us unconditionally.
Reflection gives us room to grow spiritually.
“From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people” (Psalm 3:8 NIV).
Are you ready and courageous to reflect on your spiritual life? Please share your tips!
Hi DiAnn, God promises us in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, So far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (KJV) Truly, He is the God of forgiveness!
I just saw an idea to write down a step I take towards hope over 7 days (and also where I saw hope). It is designed to train our hope muscles. Thanks DiAnn!
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Adrianne, I pray for your hope!
Wonderful words of wisdom, DiAnn…great reminders that our sins cannot sink us beyond the reach of our warrior King Jesus…that He will have the victory, bringing us a crown of life as we repent and persevere. Blessings to you in this beautiful season of change and reflection.
Author
Thank you, Nancy, for your kind words. Our Warrior King Jesus has us in the palm of His hand!
Right where I am today! Thank you.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
The word “behold” is a wonderful word. It’s Horao in the Greek.
It means to reflect on, contemplate or imagine.
Author
Tripp, thanks. And I value the Greek definition of behold—the three meanings apply to how we reflect on our faith.
A beautiful reflection today. We are so blessed to have a God that loves us and wants what is best for us. May we never forget that He is with us always.
Author
Thank you, Susan. Sometimes, we seem to get so caught up in the world’s darkness that we fail to remember God’s love.
I have come to think about how “seasonal” my life has become in the last ten years or so. Like you perhaps, I’m glad to leave the hot sweltering days of summer (both physical/emotional and spiritual) behind as I grieved and have entered into a more comfortable fall season. Of course, some of this is the fact that as my friend a coach would say, “I’m deep into the fourth quarter of life”. Always enjoy your perspective sweet friend.
Author
Thank you, J.D. I will remember “I’m deep into the fourth quarter of life.” That last quarter is often when the biggest changes occur. Take care!
This was a great post, DiAnn. Grounding. Restorative. Worshipful. Encouraging. Needed. After a very hectic morning this brought peace. Thank you!
I guess my biggest tip for my spiritual life is copying Scripture in various notebooks. It helps me focus and I also get to “hear” it.
I’ve served in several communist countries where Bibles were either hard to get, not allowed, or confiscated. That could easily happen here. I want to have God’s Word scattered throughout my house, so I can be prepared.
Thanks for the encouraging words today! Bless you.
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Barbara, I’d never thought about tucking God’s Word into various areas around me. The idea touched me – sobering. Thank you.
Read more posts by DiAnn! This really resonated with me today. Thank you.
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Thank you, Kathryn. I appreciate your reading my posts! Be blessed.