Pondering

Luke 2:19 (NIV) "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

Ponder: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply

As 2014 draws to a close it is important for us to reflect back over the year. To ponder the things the Lord has done in, through, and for us. 

I don't know about you, but I want 2015 to be a year of deeper commitment to prayer and the Word. A year of greater faith.  A year of more rapid obedience. I long for greater intimacy with my Savior. For renewed joy and peace. For refreshing and renewal in my soul and spirit. 

Pondering the year past, it's ups and downs, can give us greater vision for the coming year. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

First, as we look back at the trials and triumphs we can see both our strengths and our weaknesses. 

Reflecting on our strengths can give us boldness in the coming year. It can encourage our spirits in the Lord for we know, Zechariah 4:6b "It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies." Our strength came from God. The God we served in 2014 is the same God of 2015. Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

Reflecting on our weaknesses can challenge us toward greater things in 2015.  As we analyze the areas in which we were weak, we can begin to focus our prayers on growing in those areas. We can claim the promise that says, 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Next, we need to look back at lessons learned. As a teacher I gave tests over material covered. I gave tests that covered both old and new material. Why? To ensure that my students had a firm grasp on the concepts they were required to master. 

The same holds true in our spiritual life. Over the past year, God has taken us to higher levels of understanding, taught us to have a deeper dependence on him, and given us more tools or at least taught us to use more of the tools we already have.  Just like my students, once he teaches us new lessons, he holds us accountable. We need to look back and review the lessons so we can apply the knowledge, authority, faith, and understanding we gained this year to the coming year. Time is too short to have to relearn lessons we should already have mastered!

We must also ponder God's sustaining grace and provision over the past year. We need to recount the miracles he performed on our behalf. We must begin to recognize how often he made a way when there seemed to be no way. The times his provision was there when we didn't know what to do. 

Pondering God's blessings in our life will bolster our faith for the coming year. It will encourage our soul to trust in God. King David talked to he soul (our mind, nature, emotions) and encouraged it to trust in God. Psalm 43:5 (NIV) "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

We can make the choice this year to put our hope and trust in God next year. By choosing now, to trust later, we can save ourselves much pain and heartache in the future. 

When an airline plans their flights they choose the path that will cost them the least (not always the most direct route). They then lock in the course (flight plan) with the FAA. The pilot doesn't have the authority to change the flight plan except in cases of extreme emergency. Changing course during the pre-scheduled flight could cost the airline greatly. Possibly even the loss of lives. 

The same holds true in our life. If we choose today how we are going to respond (not react) to situations that arise in the future we will find it easier to stick to our flight plan. If we choose to keep our eyes on Jesus and not focus on the storms that may arise around us we will walk on the water. Matthew 14:29-31 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”  However, if we don't make the choice now, when the winds of pressure and trial rage around us, we will sink beneath the cares of life. 

No matter what 2014 looked like in your life I challenge you to sit down and prayerfully take inventory.

1. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses from this part year. Expound on each one noting changes to implement and areas to work on. Be sure to list the successes as well. 

2. Then make a list of the lessons you have learned this year. Pay close attention to the deep spiritual truths you learned. (Remember: THERE WILL BE A TEST!) 

3. Make a list of the times God came through for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you every instance where God's provision was there for you, maybe even when you didn't realize it. 

4.  Make a flight plan for 2015.  Choose now, how you will respond to life's ups and downs next year. Pick some Bible verses to memorize that will help you stick with the plan. 

2015 can be our best year yet if we ponder the past and plan for the future!!