This December, we’re leaning into Reflecting and Renewing — taking time to look back on the year with honesty and gratitude, while allowing God to refresh our hearts for what’s ahead. Before we rush into a new year, the Lord invites us to pause, remember, release, and be renewed in His presence.
Reflection with God is not about replaying every regret; it’s about recognizing where He carried us, corrected us, comforted us, and grew us. When we look back with the Holy Spirit, we begin to see patterns of grace instead of only patterns of pain. We remember prayers He answered, doors He opened, and even the tears He used to deepen our dependence on Him.
Renewal comes as we surrender what we cannot change and open our hands to what God desires to do next. The same God who was faithful in January is still faithful in December. He is not finished writing your story. As you release disappointments, unmet expectations, and lingering fears into His hands, He makes room in your heart for fresh hope, clearer vision, and restored strength for 2026.
This month, let’s allow God to walk us back through the year — not to shame us, but to show us His goodness — and then to lead us forward with renewed minds, healed hearts, and revived faith.
Key Scripture
Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Devotional Thought
The world tells us to “just move on” and rush into the next thing, but God often does His deepest work in the quiet spaces of reflection. To be renewed, we must first be willing to sit with Him, to let Him speak truth over our memories, and to allow His Word to reframe our perspective.
Renewing the mind is not a one-time event; it is a continual process of exchanging lies for truth, fear for faith, and self-reliance for God-dependence. As we meditate on His faithfulness this past year, our confidence grows that He will be just as faithful in the year to come.
As you move through December, think of it as a holy bridge between what has been and what will be. On one side is a year God has already walked through with you; on the other is a year He already sees and holds. Reflection and renewal meet in the middle — where you stand with Him, listening, surrendering, and saying, “Lord, have Your way in me.”
December at a Glance – Join Us
Weekly Prayer Online: Mondays at 6:00 AM EST | 2:00 PM EAT | 1:00 PM SAST
Podcast Episodes: Every Wednesday
14 Day Bible App Study: “The Nativity: A Countdown to Christmas”: December 12th – 25th
Reflection Questions
- As you look back over 2025, where do you most clearly see God’s faithfulness at work in your life, your marriage, your family, or your walk with Him?
- What is one mindset, fear, or burden God is inviting you to release so that you can enter 2026 lighter, freer, and more aligned with His will?
Prayer for the Month
Lord, thank You for walking with me through this entire year. As I pause to reflect, open my eyes to see Your goodness, even in places that were hard. Heal the parts of my heart that still feel heavy, and renew my mind with Your truth. Prepare me for all that You have planned in 2026. I surrender my past, my present, and my future into Your hands. Make me new from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Declarations (Speak These Aloud)
- I declare that as I reflect on this year, I will see God’s goodness and faithfulness clearly.
- I declare that I am not defined by my failures, but renewed by God’s grace.
- I declare that I release regret, disappointment, and fear, and I make room for God’s peace and purpose.
- I declare that my mind is being renewed daily by the Word of God.
- I declare that 2025 will end with worship on my lips and gratitude in my heart.
- I declare that I step into 2026 with fresh vision, holy boldness, and renewed strength.
- I declare that my home, my marriage, and my family are covered by God’s faithfulness from year to year.
- I declare that my life is a testimony of God’s restoring, renewing power.