How to enter into honest reflection to close out 2022
The writer of the ancient Psalm 77 models for us how to enter into a time of honest reflection. It’s an invitation to have our soul do a diligent search— and not ignore the questions, the pain, the doubts, the longing, the fear that we experience, but find a way to pick up our jumbled feelings and give them to God. To a God who is patiently waiting to hear our honesty and who listens to every single prayer— whether it’s a sigh, a shout of praise, a quiet hope, an angry uprising, a pleading for healing, or a sorrowful tear.
Has God forgotten us?
Are his promises over?
No, we are emphatically reminded: “I could never forget all your miracles, my God.”
Because there are testimonies and testimonies and testimonies of His faithfulness. From your own story, and from the stories of people around you. Testimonies from long ago and testimonies from just this morning.
As 2022 comes to a close, meditate on the mighty works of God in your life from this past year. Sit for 20 minutes and invite your soul to do a diligent search. Begin by meditating on Psalm 77. Personally, I love the Passion Translation for this Psalm.
Psalm 77 (TPT) —
“I poured out my complaint to you, God. I lifted up my voice, shouting out for your help.
When I was in deep distress, in my day of trouble, I reached out for you with hands stretched out to heaven.
Over and over I kept looking for you, God, but your comforting grace was nowhere to be found.
As I thought of you I moaned, “God, where are you?” I’m overwhelmed with despair as I wait for your help to arrive.
Pause in his presence
I can’t get a wink of sleep until you come and comfort me. Now I’m too burdened to even pray!
My mind wandered, thinking of days gone by— the years long since passed.
Then I remembered the worship songs I used to sing in the night seasons, and my heart began to fill again with thoughts of you.
So my spirit went out once more in search of you.
Would you really walk off and leave me forever, my Lord God?
Won’t you show me your kind favor, delighting in me again?
Has your well of sweet mercy dried up?
Will your promises never come true?
Have you somehow forgotten to show me love?
Are you so angry that you’ve closed your heart of compassion toward me?
Pause in his presence
Lord, what wounds me most is that it’s somehow my fault that you’ve changed your heart toward me and I no longer see the years of the Mighty One or your right hand of power.
Yet I could never forget all your miracles, my God, as I remember all your wonders of old.
I ponder all you’ve done, Lord, musing on all your miracles.
It’s here in your presence, in your sanctuary, where I learn more of your ways, for holiness is revealed in everything you do.
Lord, you’re the one and only, the great and glorious God!
Your display of wonders, miracles, and power makes the nations acknowledge you. By your glory-bursts you’ve rescued us over and over.
Just ask the sons of Jacob or the sons of Joseph, and they will tell you!
And all of us, your beloved ones, know that it’s true!
Pause in his presence
When the many waters of the Red Sea took one look at you, they were afraid and ran away to hide— trembling to its depths!
Storm clouds filled with water high in the skies; cloudbursts and thunderclaps announced your approach. Lightning-flashes lit up the landscape.
Rolling whirlwinds exploded with sonic booms of thunder, rumbling as the skies shouted out your story with light and sound and wind.
Everything on earth shook and trembled as you drew near.
Your steps formed a highway through the seas with footprints on a pathway no one even knew was there.
You led your people forward by your loving hand, blessed by the leadership of Moses and Aaron.”