It is good to pause and consider the previous year before charging into the next with all of our goals, scriptures, or words of the year.  As we ponder and pray over our life, we are able to see the hand of God at work in our lives.  We are able to have a better perspective on the direction we’re going in our lives and to decide if we need to make changes or continue moving forward.  The beginning of a new year is a wonderful time to reflect, to celebrate God’s goodness in our lives and to pray for His plans and purposes for the coming year.

Make no mistake about it.  God had a plan for your previous year.  He definitely has a plan for this coming year.  The question is: Will we choose to cooperate with His  plans or will we demand that He bring our plans to pass?  Keep in mind that He will work against any plans that contradict his plans, yet he pours out lavish grace to those who humbly submit themselves to His plans.

 In other words, he propels his plans forward, and he thwarts any other plans.

Here are some questions that I’ve used to reflect on the previous year.  Perhaps they may help you as well.Choose only the questions that are most helpful for you.  There is no obligation to complete them all.

1. What brought you joy?
2. What caused you to experience anger/pain/anxiety/despair?
3. What obstacles have you faced? Did you overcome the obstacle? How?
4. What new experiences have you had?
5. What new discoveries have you made?
6. What were the best books you read?
7. Who were your most meaningful relationships with?
8. What was the most enjoyable part of your work?
9. What was the most challenging part of your work?
10. What was your biggest time waster?
11. What was the best way that you used your time?
12. What is something you’re so glad you did?
13. What do you regret doing?
14. What do you regret not doing?
15. Who/what did you lose this year?
16. Who/What did you gain this year?
17. What have you learned about yourself?
18. What life circumstances have made you stronger, wiser and better?
19. What have you learned about life?
20. How are you learning to trust God more?
21. In what ways can you see yourself becoming more like Christ?
22. How is prayer impacting your life?
23. What truths from scripture have become more real in your life?
24. What habits/routines do you want to continue for the coming year?
25. What are you feeling angst/frustration about in your life?
26. Did you stay on track with your vision for your year?
27. Share some highlights of 2015
28. Do you feel at peace with your life? Why or why not?
29. What are you loving about life?
30. Who have you had the privilege to serve?
31. How have you made the name of Jesus known?
32. How has the Kingdom of God been revealed through you?
33. What would you like MORE of?
34. What would you like LESS of?
35. How have you contributed to your household finances?
36. How have you harmed your household finances?
37. How have you contributed to the well-being of your home?
38. How have you supported your kids?
39. How have you supported your spouse?
40. What good decisions have you made for your family?
41. Any other significant experiences that you want to remember?
42. Pick three words to describe your year.

Some of these questions came from Tsh Oxenreider from the Art of Simple.