We’ve entered December, and with it comes a natural invitation to pause and reflect. This time of reflection is not just about looking at the calendar or marking the end of the year, but about looking inward, to evaluate, appreciate how far we’ve come, and realign our hearts and lives with God’s purpose.
Personal Experience: A Year of Progress and Pressure
In my last post titled “How Thanksgiving Strengthens Families, Communities, and Nations,” click: (https://benhailechris.com/how-thanksgiving-strengthens-families-communities-and-nations/) I shared how this year, 2025, has been one of both progress and pressure. It’s been a year of growth, of moving forward in ways that are both exciting and challenging. I’m truly grateful for the progress made, and I know many of you can relate. But this year also brought its share of pressure, whether in work, family life, or personal challenges, it’s been a season of pushing boundaries and stepping into new territories for many.
I’m sure many of you share similar experiences of facing the balance of progress while managing the weight of pressure. It’s a reminder that growth often comes with its own set of challenges. And while it’s easy to focus on the pressure, we should also take time to reflect on the progress, the breakthroughs, and the ways we’ve grown stronger through it all.
A Moment to Reflect
December presents a unique opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been this year. It’s a time to remember:
- God’s faithfulness through every moment, both easy and difficult
- The lessons learned in the highs and lows of life
- The blessings we’ve received, whether big or small
As we look back, it’s easy to get caught up in everything we didn’t accomplish or areas where we felt we fell short. But real reflection invites us to also see God’s hand at work, shaping, guiding, and strengthening us through it all.
Reflection in Scripture
Scripture encourages us to reflect as part of our spiritual growth. In Psalm 46:10, God tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Reflection is more than just remembering, it’s about creating space to reconnect with God, to realign our hearts with His presence.
In Lamentations 3:40, we are called to, “Examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” This call to reflection helps us evaluate where we are in our walk with God and invites us to align ourselves more fully with His will and purpose.
Reflection for Growth
Taking time to reflect is not just about reviewing the past; it’s about looking ahead with purpose. When we pause and reflect, we can more clearly see the areas where God has been moving in our lives, and where He’s still calling us to grow.
Reflection also helps us recognize places where we need to surrender, heal, or change. It’s a powerful way to make space for God to renew and refresh us for the season ahead.
A Time for Renewal
As we look toward the future, reflection can be a powerful tool for renewal. What has God been teaching you this year? What is He calling you to focus on in the year ahead? December is the perfect time to seek clarity and direction for the future, trusting that God has already gone before us.
Conclusion
So, as we move through December, let’s take this time to pause, reflect, and realign ourselves with God’s plan. Let’s remember His faithfulness, learn from the past, and prepare our hearts for the year to come. In the midst of the busyness of the season, let’s not miss the opportunity to reflect, because in doing so, we find peace, purpose, and renewal for the journey ahead.
As we reflect on this year’s progress and pressures, may we also find hope and strength to face the coming year with renewed vision and trust in God’s leading.
Kingdom Blessings!
Benhail E. Chris ✍🏾
