A year-end review enlightens us with understanding for future days.
Learning from the past helps prepare us for the new year. God guides us through as we look to Him.
A year-end review is valuable. The process takes some time, but looking back over the past is beneficial. Does it sound intimidating? A simple plan will help you and give guidance for your next year’s goals. I try to do this at the end of the year, but sometimes it doesn’t happen until the first week of January, depending on my activities between Christmas and the New Year.
The important thing is to make time to do it.
Scripture (Philippians 3:13-14) encourages us to look in two directions—back at the past and ahead toward the future.
A Year-End Review Plan
Set aside at least an hour.
Quiet your heart and mind. Pray for the Lord to show you the key lessons from the past year.
Gather your journal and planner.
Read through them. On a sheet of paper, in one column write down the highlights and successes. In another column write down disappointments and struggles.
Re-read your goals for that year. Evaluate what actions and events helped you toward those goals or resolutions.
Seven Year-End Review Questions
- What were significant events?
- What did I learn from the successes and disappointments?
- In ways did I grow or did I get stuck?
- Am I moving forward toward a bigger goal?
- Is my physical health better now than it was a year ago?
- What am I doing to develop my faith?
- How are the relationships that I invest in?
At the end, look at how the Lord is moving in your life.
My Year-End Review
My word last year was “faithful,” which became a beautiful guide word. Many times I remembered God’s unchangng character and love when I felt overwhelmed or confused. “Faithful” helped me recall that God is at work in me, even when He seems silent. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to develop as a Christian communicator, which renewed my vision for future goals.
Now it’s your turn for a Year-End Review.
At the end of your year-end review, thank God for being with you in every event, whether it was a success or a disappointment. Ask God to guide you in the next year.
God doesn’t want to number your failures or count your accomplishments as much as He wants you to have an encounter with Him. ~ Ann Voskamp
In 2019, may the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Number 6:24-26)
