
The Gift of Looking Back: God’s Faithfulness in 2024
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As the new year begins, many of us look ahead with anticipation, setting goals and making plans. But before we step fully into 2025, it’s important to pause and reflect on the year we’re leaving behind. Whether it was a year of joy, challenge, or a mix of both, taking the time to look back allows us to see God’s faithfulness woven through every season.
Giving Yourself Permission to Grieve
We briefly spoke on this topic in our latest Heart Talk with Tracee and Janice, “Where Our Messy Meets God’s Glory”. If you haven’t yet watched or listened to it, I would encourage you to do so (Apple, Spotify, YouTube). We talked specifically about grief, especially through the holiday season. November, December, and January seem to hit us the hardest when reflecting on the past, and for that reason, it is so much more important to allow ourselves to grieve.
For some, 2024 may have been a year marked by loss. It could be the loss of a job, a relationship, or even the heartbreaking loss of a loved one. Grief can take many forms, and it’s essential to give yourself permission to trust and work through the process. As believers, we know that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), but that doesn’t mean we should rush through the process of mourning. Honor the loss you’ve experienced by bringing it before God, trusting that He meets you with comfort and peace.
Finding the Silver Lining
While acknowledging loss is important, it’s equally vital to seek out the good moments amidst the challenges. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to “dwell on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy”. It’s not always easy to shift our focus from the negative to the positive, but it’s a practice that can bring healing and perspective.
Take some time to reflect on the silver linings of 2024. Were there unexpected blessings, moments of joy, or ways God provided for you? Perhaps a difficult situation brought personal growth or strengthened a relationship. Write these things down as a reminder of God’s faithfulness—even in the midst of hard times.
A Challenge for 2025
As you process the past year, I want to challenge you: carry a spirit of gratitude into the new year. Practice looking for the good in every situation, even when it’s hard to see. Gratitude shifts our perspective and opens our eyes to God’s work in our lives. This is what Tracee and I referenced in our last podcast – to watch for the activity of God in and around your life.
Here’s a practical way to start: Create a “Faithfulness Journal” for 2025. Each week, jot down at least one way you saw God’s hand in your life. By the end of the year, you’ll have a collection of testimonies to reflect on, a tangible reminder of His goodness and presence.
A Prayer for the New Year
As we look back on 2024 and step into 2025, let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout 2024. Thank You for walking with us through every joy and sorrow. As we enter 2025, help us to trust You more deeply and to see Your hand in every moment. Teach us to grieve well, to find joy even in the hard places, and to carry a spirit of gratitude into the new year. Let us walk confidently, knowing that You are with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you reflect on the year that’s passed and look ahead to the one to come, remember: God is faithful. He’s been with you every step of the way and will continue to guide you in the days ahead. Let’s move forward with hope, anchored in His promises and confident in His love.
Blessings,
Janice
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