Many things about our current age are good. There are numerous ways to connect with one another, limitless information from which we can learn, and an ongoing growth of platforms (just like this one!) that can offer useful insight, both biblical and practical. But the rate at which our world runs is fast. Day to day, our worlds change from what we wear to what is politically correct to the toddler sitting next to us. Yet, the one thing that does not have the ability to change is our memories. Building a habit of reflection in our fast-paced world will help us slow down in an effort to remember what the Lord has done.
One aspect I want to acknowledge is that not all memories are ones we want to reflect upon. Many are painful. Yet, if you are a Bible-believing Christian, we all have work the Lord has done in our lives that was painful at the moment, but now is something we are thankful for. How often do we intentionally remember both the hard and good work God has done? I recently heard a pastor say that the Israelites did not necessarily apostatize because they forgot God’s words but because they forgot his works. They failed to remember all the ways God worked on their behalf, were captivated by the culture around them, and failed to build a habit of reflection.
When Fast-Paced Captivates
The world we live in loves the idea of moving forward. Always evolving, always improving. Bigger and better goals. One direction. While none of those actions are wrong, they can easily keep us at one pace. Because it feels good, doesn’t it? Why does it matter what happened yesterday if today will be even better? This perspective is floating within the realm of Christianity too. I’ve heard it said that as a believer, if you aren’t moving forward in your relationship with God, you are going backward; there is no in-between. One direction. While I completely understand this viewpoint and agree there is much truth to it, there have been seasons where I’ve experienced something different. Building a habit of reflection begins on the balanced ground of relishing the past in the stillness of the present.
The Habit of Reflection Within the Bible
I do not want to discredit the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 3, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” Yes. As Christians, we must press on, fight the good fight, and strive toward our eternal home in an ongoing journey of sanctification. But may I suggest that pausing the blood, sweat, and tears of hard work, both spiritual and practical, to look back on the past work of God may result in something sacred? David built a habit of reflection, as well as Asaph, a prominent poet and worship leader in David’s court. Psalm after Psalm is filled with remembrance because remembrance inspires praise. Here are a few:
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old, I will ponder your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” -Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV)
“Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered. -Psalm 105:5 (ESV)
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” -Psalm 143:4 (ESV)
“I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders he has done.” -Psalm 78:2-4 (ESV)
Taking time to build a habit of reflection inspires praise which leads to greater faith. Who would not want that?
The Habit of Stillness
As human beings, we tend to complicate most things; I know I sure do! And the plain and simple fact is everyone is busy. We each have lives that contain loved ones, relationships, events, commitments, work, vacations, etc. Yet, I am convinced that slowing down is a task anyone can accomplish. As previously discussed, we must first decide to do so, as our natural inclination is to stay busy and look to the future. As we intentionally make the choice to slow down, we now have the ability to be still. The original word for “being still” in Hebrew is raphah. It literally means to fall limp, abandon, to cease in striving. If God’s voice brought stillness to fierce winds and wild waves, then He will surely help his children in their efforts to find it.
The Habit of Reflection
Reflection on God’s past work in your life takes intentional stillness and the time and space to do so. This will look different for everyone as seasons ebb and flow. I am just now entering one where I finally feel energized enough to be up in the morning before my kids! Hurray for offspring that sleep through the night! But here are a few actions and questions that I am in the process of implementing and asking myself:
- Going on walks and reflecting on who I was last year. What has God done in me since then?
- Sitting in a quiet room with my journal and writing down significant ways God has worked. How have I seen God be faithful?
- Taking tiny moments throughout the week to praise God for all He has done.
Building a habit of reflection does not have to include grand gestures. Simple is sustainable.
Continuing the Habit of Reflection
May I be vulnerable for a moment? I struggle even writing an article on this topic because I don’t walk this out perfectly. But what I do know is that this is a habit I want to cultivate for the long haul. I am confident that tiny moments of reflection, nurtured over a lifetime, will result in something invaluable. I want to savor this journey of faith and appreciate the experiences that got me here. Why bother passing down a legacy of faith to future generations if we can’t even recall what that legacy consists of? If building a habit of reflection is something you desire, I encourage you to begin. Right now, at this moment, write it down, bask in it, and allow it to become a part of your testimony that is shared, talked about, cried over, and rejoiced in.
Reflection involves developing gratitude as we reflect on and observe the amazing works of our Heavenly Father in the past and present. If you’re looking for a good book that is centered on this theme, check out One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.
Also, if you’ve asked yourself: “How do I keep childlike faith as a maturing Christian?” check out this blog post. It is one close to my heart, and I pray you are encouraged by it.
Beautifully written and what a challenge to simply be still and reflect on what God has done and is doing!
Love this: “Building a habit of reflection begins on the balanced ground of relishing the past in the stillness of the present.”
Thank you for your inspiring words and transparency as you allow God to lead you in writing.
Thank you for your continuous encouragement. It is such a huge blessing to me. Love you!