New Year: Look back, look ahead
lan Toone, lay member of New Life Church Derby
AS one year closes and another dawns, the transition provides a natural pause for reflection and renewal. It is an opportunity to look back on the blessings and challenges of the past year, offering gratitude to God for His faithfulness, and to prayerfully consider what lies ahead.
The Bible encourages us to remember God’s goodness. Psalm 77:11 says: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.” Taking time to reflect on the past year allows us to see the ways God has worked in our lives- whether through answered prayers, sustaining us in trials, or blessing us with unexpected gifts.
Yet, reflection is not just about gratitude-it is also a moment to seek God’s guidance. Challenges and failures from the past year are valuable teachers when viewed through the lens of faith.
Rather than dwelling on mistakes, bringing them before God, who promises (in John 11:9) that, if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us, can help us to draw closer to Him.
As we look to the new year, let’s set our focus on Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Instead of making resolutions rooted in human effort, let’s consider setting spiritual goals- such as growing in prayer, serving others more intentionally, or deepening our relationship with God. May our plans be guided by God’s will, trusting that His purposes are greater than our own.
The new year is a reminder that God is always doing something new. Isaiah 43:19 says: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Let’s trust that He is at work, even if the path ahead seems uncertain.
As we stand on the threshold of this new beginning, we can take comfort in knowing that God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Let’s enter the new year with faith, hope, and a heart willing to follow wherever He leads. With God at our side, each step of the journey will be filled with purpose and promise.