The Art of Reflection
by Kurtis Moss
Reflection is one of the most important disciplines a Christian can engage in in our lives. However, the fight for our attention through every conceivable avenue such as social media, smartphones, news, politics etc. makes it incredibly difficult to stop or even slow down to look back and consider what has happened in our lives. More importantly, if we don’t stop and reflect, we may entirely miss how God has worked in and through us amidst those life experiences.
Despite the challenges, and maybe even in light of them- I’d like to encourage you to do just that! Slow down. Stop. Reflect. Do it daily for a few minutes. Weekly for a few hours. And every so often- remove yourself from life’s rhythms entirely for an entire day or more to reflect.
Here are some reasons why:
- Reflection encourages gratitude. Through recognition of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and work in your life- and more broadly over time and history- we are able to see more clearly what we have to be grateful for.
- Reflection generates humility. Understanding that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17) and because of him we have life and opportunity to live it abundantly (John 10:10), we should be humbled by his goodness and provision. The goodness of our lives are not by our own doing, but his.
- Reflection allows for deeper repentance. It’s not easy to walk back through past mistakes, but God asks us to repent and turn from sin. Reflection allows us to isolate past sin and surrender it to the Lord in repentance- that we might live life free of condemnation and guilt.
- Reflection makes space for growth. When we take time to celebrate wins and success, mourn losses and failures, and grow from all of the above.
- Reflection strengthens our relationship with God and allows us to know him more deeply. Reading scripture opens our eyes to God’s character but take it a step further and reflect on His character over all the scripture you know. It’s amazing and undeniable to see his love and care for us.
To wrap things up, I have two encouragements for you:
- Read and reflect on Psalm 107. The entirety of the Psalm is a beautiful and challenging reflection on God: His promises, His goodness, His presence, His faithfulness and so on. God’s character and actions are on display and His saving grace and love are abundantly clear! Enjoy this Psalm!
- Slow down. Stop. Reflect. Do it daily for a few minutes. Weekly for a few hours. And every so often- remove yourself from life’s rhythms entirely for an entire day or more to reflect on Gods goodness and His work in your life. Use the time to be grateful, humbled, repentant of your sin and to refine yourself to know and Love God and others more deeply. Then go and share God’s goodness, making disciples throughout the world!