Pause and Reflect

Pause and Reflect

It’s strange how life can feel both slow and fast at the same time. COVID seems like it happened just yesterday, yet it also feels like a distant memory. Waiting for a planned vacation or special event can seem like forever, and then, suddenly, it arrives and is gone in the blink of an eye. Hopefully, we are left with good memories to cherish.

Do you practice reflection? I naturally self-reflect a bit each day, replaying moments in my mind—things I’ve said or done, or things that were funny, meaningful, or challenging to me. But I don’t always take time to reflect further back, like years ago. Yet, I do believe there is great value in doing so. Birthdays and the start of a new year often prompt reflection, but today, on a random Tuesday in March, I find myself looking back and recognizing how good God has been to me over the past few years.

I see the gift of new friendships — from Bible study friends and church members to coworkers — a beautiful mix of personalities. Some have challenged me professionally, pushing me to grow. Others have encouraged me to hide God’s Word in my heart and reminded me of my true identity: His beloved. A few have lovingly held me accountable to stay rooted in Scripture. And some have simply created a safe space for me to be real — to let down my guard and connect on a deeper level. As I look back, I’m deeply grateful for how each one has helped shape and strengthen me.

I also see a deepening knowledge and understanding of who God is and His character. He is a good and faithful God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He is completely trustworthy. He hears our cries for help, collects our tears, knows us intimately, provides for us, and is with us as our constant companion. He bore the guilt and punishment for our sins, willingly and graciously. When I pause, I see the many ways He has been good and faithful to me. 

I'm learning to fully trust His plans (partial trust isn’t really trust at all). Letting go is a daily choice, not a one-time event. Worries still rush through my mind, but He gently reminds me to cast my cares on Him. Trials will come, but I am never alone. He is with me, and He is for me. And one day, every burden and care will fade away — and we will be with Him forever in eternity.

As I continued to reflect over the last few years, one word has deeply resonated with me: abide. It has felt like an important piece of what Jesus is asking of me—to truly abide in Him. I am learning to fight the doubts and fears of not being enough, resting in the truth that I am already His. He rejoices over me. 

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a Mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing."  (Zephaniah 3:17)

As I pause and reflect, I see God’s patience and transforming work in me. It’s been a step-by-step journey with Him inviting me to move forward and closer to Him. It required me to let go of some old thought patterns and beliefs. It’s taken work and conscious effort to replace them with a solid foundation of Biblical truths. But I know and trust that, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

I encourage you to set aside time this week to pause and reflect on how God has been working in your life. Maybe journal your thoughts, share them with a close friend, or simply sit in His presence and thank Him. I hope when you take time to reflect, you will see His faithfulness woven throughout your journey too. Be encouraged as you look back, finding hope as you move forward, knowing that “The Lord is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works.” (Psalm 145:13 ESV)