New Years Eve: A Time For Reflection

I- REFLECTION IS TO BE DONE OPENLY FOR ENCOURAGEMENT ().

Psalm 111:1–2 NLT

Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.

A- Notice the elements of this reflection:

1- A heart that is overflowing with gratitude. (vs. 1)

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Psalm 9:1 NLT

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

2- A mind that is awed by God’s activity. (vs 2).

B- Notice the engagement of this reflection:

1- Others are engaged in this time of reflection (vs. 1).

2- Others are engaged in this time of reflection to cause them to “ponder” God’s awesomeness (vs. 2).

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Psalm 40:9–10 NLT

I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O Lord, well know. I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.

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Psalm 108:3 NLT

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.

See also: . 35:18., 10. 89:5, 7. 107:32. 109:30. 149:1. 1 Ch *29:10-20. , . 20:26-28.

. 35:18. 40:9, 10. 89:5, 7. 107:32. 108:3. 109:30. 149:1. 1 Ch *29:10-20. , . 20:26-28.

II- REFLECTION IS A GIFT FROM GOD ().

Psalm 111:3–4 NLT

Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!

A- Where does this reflection originate?

1- It originates with God (vs. 4).

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Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

B- Why does God want us to reflect?

1- He wants us to perceive His glory and majesty (vs. 3).

2- He wants us to ponder His grace and mercy (vs. 4).

III- REFLECTION IS FOCUSED UPON SPECIFIC BLESSINGS ().

Psalm 111:5–9 NLT

He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant. He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

A- It is He who provides for our needs (vs. 5).

B- It is He who plants us in absolute security (vs. 6).

C- It is He who performs faithfully in the midst of an unfaithful world (vs. 7-8).

D- It is He who paid our ransom in full (vs. 9).

IV- REFLECTION IS A GROWTH AGENT FOR BELIEVERS ()

Psalm 111:10 NLT

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!

A- It provides a foundation for real wisdom (vs. 10a).

1- It reminds us of who is in control of all things.

2- All of our attitudes and actions must have Godly wisdom as its foundation.

B- It produces a growth in godly wisdom (vs. 10b).

1- Reflection and sharing encourages a growing confidence in God’s wisdom and a corresponding decrease of confidence in human reasoning.