Pause and Reflect

Ian Revie

“Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!”
Psalm 90:12

This time of year many of us spend time deliberating over the changes that we plan to make in our lives, what we will stop and what we will start, all with the best of intentions and I am sure if you are like me, you may end up with the change impacting 2, 3, 4, 5 weeks into the New Year.

Unfortunately with myself, very little actually does permanently change at this time of year - in last week’s Monday Reflections, Helen described some of the side effects of failing to meet the change.

This year in some personal time, Joy & I have been led to think around significant changes in our lives, Joy starting to retire, and me not too far behind. This change has made me Pause and Reflect on last year, looking forward to this year with a different viewpoint – reflecting more on Gods purpose in our lives

• Who we are – this blows my mind: Chosen before the foundations of the earth (Ephesians 1:4)

• What is Gods vision for my life? – I often forget and need to be prompted: For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

• What is Gods purpose for me? Because he chose me, he has purpose for me:-

  • How do I serve Him? Work, friends, Church, personal?

  • In my service what have we done well, and what has been disappointing?

  • Have I tested my God given vision? How clear is it?

  • Who has God brought close to me to enjoy our life journey together? Partners and friends.

  • What am I doing about it all now?

Keeping my New Year resolutions in check this way, helps me to look forward and take more risks – trusting in the vision He has given me for my life, and in His purpose for me as I take my next first steps in this New Year.

“And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh yes. Affirm the work that we do!”
Psalm 90: 17