A Right Reflection

Yesterday I officially started my 50th year of life! 

I turned 49, but that means that I have started my 50th year (if that’s confusing, remember that when a baby turns 1, it’s because he’s completed his first year of life and is now starting his 2nd). I tend to be very reflective around birthdays. Maybe it’s because I’m wrapping up my 40’s, but this year I’ve been even more so. How do we reflect and take an honest, introspective look at who or where we are without becoming so self-focused that it’s all-consuming?

We can start by humbly seeking the Lord for revelation. Asking Him to reveal the things that need to be rooted out so that we can live our lives to bring him (not ourselves) all the glory. Psalm 69:16 “Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.”  

Then we wait (oh how I resist that word!). Psalm 40:1 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.” No matter what the issue, we need to await the Lord’s answers. He is faithful… He will answer.

Also, consider asking a trusted friend where they see needed growth in your life. Sometimes the answer we are waiting for God to give us will be through the loving words of a compassionate friend. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

And once we have some answer, submit that to Him. Romans 12:1-2 “ I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

The goal of all this reflection is to realign the areas of my life that have become askew. It’s for the purpose of living a life worthy of our Lord, abiding in Him and bearing much fruit for His glory, to daily live and give the gospel… all year long.