At the dawn of a new year, we can easily direct all our thoughts to the future—the goals and dreams of the coming months that shine with the excitement of a fresh start. However, before stepping into tomorrow, we should consider the past months. All those yesterdays culminate into our days.
Single individuals need this time of reflection on the past year just as much as those who are married. We need the space and time to remember what the Lord has done in our lives, and how He has been faithful to walk alongside us and work in the situations we faced. For some, though, this can be challenging, especially if the person is enduring a time of hardship or is unhappy in their current situation. They may need some help to redirect their thoughts.
Consider using these five tips to reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past year.
1. Focus on What You Have, Not on What You Don’t
Too often I read posts by single Christians that bemoan their relationship status. They think they will be happier and more fulfilled if only they could meet and marry the right person. Seeking marriage is not wrong. But we miss the blessings of knowing Jesus more closely if we are always focusing on what we do not have in life. A spirit of dissatisfaction will obscure the perspective of our days, and the past year.
What if, instead of wishing for things to be different, we reflected on the spiritual riches we have in Christ?
As believers, we already have the greatest relationship in the universe – a relationship with the living God. He loves us more than anyone else ever could or will. While we were still sinners, He loved us and died for us to give us salvation (Romans 5:8). Knowing Him and being known by Him is worth immeasurably more than anything else in life. Who else is always with us, no matter the time or situation? Our Lord and Savior is the only one who will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Matthew 28:20).
As we reflect on the Lord’s faithfulness during the past year, let us give thanks for the gift of knowing Jesus. Shifting our focus to Him will enable us to see all the ways He was there when we needed Him – when we felt lonely, afraid, or sorrowful when we needed someone to talk to about our worries and dreams when we wanted to celebrate or receive comfort. Our Lord was with us, loving us in all our struggles and problems, messes and mistakes. He is more than enough.
Whatever the goal for the new year, singles should remember they already know Someone who loves them unconditionally and is always faithful. If they keep their eyes fixed on the blessings of knowing Him instead of what they do not possess, they will notice more of what Jesus accomplished in them this past year.
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jacob Ammentorp Lund
2. Don’t Get Caught in the Comparison Trap
In our technological age, we can easily scroll through and see what others are doing daily. Not only that, but lots of people enjoy making an end-of-year post that presents an overview in pictures and words about all they accomplished or experienced in the year. Christian friends and family may even detail specific ways the Lord worked in their lives. Although such posts can be interesting to look at and read, sometimes they can make us feel jealous or discontented.
Comparison is not helpful to our spiritual lives. We may fall into the mindset that God favors or blesses only those that have positive posts filled with opportunities, travels, and photos with family and friends. This could lead us to suspect that God does not care for us, especially if our lives look drastically different than those we see online. Christian singles who long for marriage can feel resentful when they scroll through the wedding pictures of friends. Or those who are content and happy in their singleness may feel dejected if they see other singles having special opportunities to serve God while they struggle to find a job or battle a chronic health issue.
Instead of allowing social media to guide our thoughts about the past year, we need to turn to the truth of Scripture and examine what God has done. The Bible does not promise that individuals will always have a comfortable life, find a spouse, go on fancy travels, or even have the same ministry opportunities as others. What it does promise is abundant life in Christ (John 10:28).
Each of us has different gifts and talents, as well as opportunities and personalities. God knew what He was doing when He called us in our unique circumstances (see 1 Corinthians 7:17-24). Therefore, we should not set our lives and years next to others for scrutiny. If we will look carefully and thoughtfully at the past months, we will surely see examples of God working in our lives. What He began in us, He is faithful to finish (Philippians 1:6).
So, like Peter when he was tempted to compare himself to John the Apostle, we need our Lord’s encouragement to keep our eyes on Him. As He said, “You follow me!” (John 21:22, ESV).
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3. Look Back at the Entries in Your Prayer Journal for the Past Year
One of the best ways to meditate on the Lord’s faithfulness is to look back at what He has done in our lives in the past year. The Israelites often did this, calling to mind the mighty acts of the Lord (see Psalm 77:10-20; 143:5). We can likewise be encouraged by reviewing our record of answered prayers and what God has taught us. All we need is to carve out some time to flip through our prayer journal.
If you have a chart that records the dates of prayers and when they were answered, this would be a helpful place to start. Praise the Lord for every answer, even if He had responded “no” to some requests. Reflect and stand amazed at God’s faithfulness for seeking your good in every circumstance (Romans 8:28).
Then, start reading through the entries, noting any major themes or lessons He taught you this year. Was there a specific verse that brought comfort or a greater perspective to an issue? What has God been teaching you through His Word? Allow these points to lead you to praise and prayer, thanking the Lord for being trustworthy in teaching and instructing you.
For those who do not have a prayer journal, do not fear. There is always the opportunity to start one in the new year! Until then, consider the events and situations God helped you with in the past months or what He has taught you recently. Did a friend finally place faith in Jesus, for whom you had been praying for years? Was Jesus’ love more evident even as you struggled with health or relationship issues? Did you learn more about what it means to follow Christ? These are all areas for which to give thanks.
Sitting down with the entries of a prayer journal or an intentional overview of the past year is an easy yet powerful way to notice all the ways God has shown up in our lives.
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4. Make a List of the Ways God has Been Faithful to Grow You
The more we are focused on the Lord and what He has been doing this year, the more we will see ways He has been faithful. One area that can help us meditate on His steadfastness is spiritual growth. Our Savior is always working to make us fruitful disciples, a process in which we are invited to take part.
What areas have you seen growth in this year? Perhaps the Lord has helped you with anger and self-control or taught you the joys of sacrificially giving away resources to bless others. These are all areas to include on a list or chart, highlighting the way the Gardener is working to grow you (John 15:1-2).
This list can be basic bullet points, or detailed paragraphs praising the Lord for His work. Allow yourself to be as practical or creative as possible when creating the list – making one that inspires and invites reflection.
As each of us looks back at all the Lord accomplished, we will see how He has been faithful to motivate us toward increasing maturity.
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5. Give Thanks for All the Opportunities You have as a Single Christian
According to Scripture, there are benefits to being a single believer. Singles are not spiritually superior to others. However, we do have the ability to devote ourselves wholly and single-heartedly to God (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). This year, there have likely been numerous opportunities to serve the Lord in a capacity that would not otherwise be available if we were not single.
Perhaps we had more time to pray and pour into the lives of kids and youth at our church through teaching and serving. Or we were able to volunteer time to help others through the various gifts the Lord has given us. We may even have worked toward raising support to be a missionary overseas or reducing our possessions and monthly costs to give more to fund discipleship efforts. Even a seemingly small opportunity, like being available for a hurting friend or neighbor, is a cause for thanksgiving.
Thinking of all these chances to serve and love God wholeheartedly helps us reflect on His faithfulness. He has reliably worked in our lives to bring about His goodwill as we are and where we are in life – no change of status required. This is a reason to praise and give thanks. Seeing His trustworthiness in the past months is an encouragement and shows us that we can trust Him in the future.
In all these reflections, we can raise our voice with the prophet Jeremiah to praise God: “great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:23, NIV).
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/BartekSzewczyk
Originally published Monday, 09 December 2024.