The week between Christmas and the New Year is a great time for contemplation. In fact, Mary discovered the art of pondering the happenings of life as she faced unprecedented situations. The angel’s declaration, an unexpected pregnancy, the taxing journey, a miraculous birth, fulfilled prophecy, the shepherd’s worship and the list goes on. Was there a purpose for it all?
Life had progressed in a highly unforeseen way for Mary. She paused to ponder. Mary contemplated the ramifications of all these events. I think it is safe to say that as Mary reflected on the impact of the varied occurrences in her life she found a purpose much higher than she had ever thought possible.
We, also can say that we have faced unprecedented situations in the year 2020. Neither an angel’s declaration nor a shepherd’s worship was a part of our year. However, God remained sovereign. His faithfulness is not any less now, than during Mary’s unheard-of situations. Let us pause to ponder and contemplate. We, too can find a purpose for our singular existence.
Defining Moments Provide Purpose
Webster defines the word ponder as ‘to think about something carefully before making a decision or reaching a conclusion‘. As you trace the origin of the word farther back you find other connotations such as: weight, appraise, judge the worth of, soberly, quietly and deeply.
In one sense, we want to quickly shut the door on the convoluted mess of 2020. Before the door shuts, I propose to you a search for the defining moments that can be found throughout this past year. Such moments provide value to your perceptions and behaviors. Pivotal decisions can be made that change the trajectory of your life for good. Let’s judge the worth to be found in the events that are past. Form a plan to carry on, find the purpose God has for us and pursue it forward.
Ponder the Past
As we ponder, we validate our life happenings. Furthermore, through contemplation we prepare and fashion the future. This gem of wisdom is found in the book of Proverbs.
“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.”
Proverbs 4:26
The Hebrew word for ponder means to roll flat in preparation for a road; it also means to revolve or weigh mentally. This word also brings with it the idea of a balance, scales or weight.
From the incidents of the past we learn how to prepare for the future. Our less than stellar reaction, that thoughtless habit that is detrimental, maybe a careless, but habitual response that causes pain to a loved one or a needless emotional response are all areas that need an upgrade. It is these and others akin to them that can be placed upon a scale and weighed in the balance. This action helps us recognize the changes that need implemented and the path to proceed forward.
We perceive the changes that are necessary as we stop and ponder the past. In this way, we can direct our steps forward with purpose. The road of life can be leveled and unnecessary detours removed as we prepare for the future.
Ponder through Prayer and Praise
Foremost, we must ponder through prayer. It is through prayer that we obtain the optimal reward for our ponderings. As we still in the presence of the Almighty God, our thoughts slow and we can rest in the sovereignty of God. Praise lifted to the Father for his faithfulness is a must when considering the past.
Contemplation of past circumstances reveal the gift of mercy and grace that filled the gaps of those unprecedented moments. Knowledge of how God has been faithful in the past propels us to trust him for the future. He is a master at adjusting our perspective and perceiving our flaws. Not in a browbeating fashion, but as our loving Heavenly Father.
God knows our frame and remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:14) His purpose is to mold us into his image. On the other hand, he is not in a hurry. It is step by step that he brings growth to our spiritual life. He understands what needs fixed. God also knows when the lesson we need to learn will be most effective. Growth God’s way is the best way. Sit at his feet and learn. Let us interrupt our busy schedules and take time to ponder, praise and pray.
Plan for the Future
Another helpful product from our time of reflection is the ability to plan for the future. As we prepare for the future through deliberate evaluation we can establish steps for the new year. This is not to say there will be no unexpected situations or circumstances of regret and heartache. On the other hand, we can plan for growth by working on areas that we know needs transformation. Whether it be spiritual development, physical renewal or emotional growth.
There are many and varied areas that we can purposely plan for progress. Our evaluation reveals the areas that need attention. In no particular order of importance and certainly not exhaustive here is a list to prompt you to action.
- books to read
- water intake
- weight loss
- healthy eating
- Bible study
- prayer
- exercise
- fasting
- an attitude of gratitude
- learning a musical instrument
- a habit of gentleness
- careful living
- budgeting
A documentation of our purposeful growth is necessary for carrying on in the long run. In time the newness wears off, our vision becomes clouded and our excitement wanes. Our internal fortitude may need a ‘shot in the arm’ so to speak. A look at the growth we have already achieved will propel us forward to the next level of discipline. There are many and varied ways to keep record via the pen or technology.
- bullet journals
- habit trackers
- daily/weekly planners
- spreadsheets
- graphs
- checklists
A variety of tools are available to help you with a visual representation that will attest to the habit you have formed or the spiritual discipline you have exercised. Our ponderings of the past give us a pivotal starting point in planning for the future. A habit to form, a characteristic to structure or a spiritual discipline to exercise can all benefit from record keeping.
Notice your Blessings
In your purposeful ponderings do not desist until your blessings are counted and your purpose is clear. As I look back on 2020 I realize now more than ever the need of trusting a Sovereign God with the myriad circumstances of life.
I have had to exercise my mind to stay on the Lord, more times than I can count to find the keeping peace that God supplies in our troubled world. (Isaiah 26:3) It is in the trenches we find God to be faithful. Nancy Leigh DeMoss conveys it this way.
“Anything that makes me need God is a blessing.”
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Our neediness shows us God’s sufficiency. Throughout the relentless hardships and perplexities of 2020 I have found God to be sufficient. The juxtaposition of these two images, God and 2020, provide me with the reality of a God that is bigger than any situation. The blessings found in the abundance of God’s grace outweigh the plethora of hardships that we have traversed.
Find your Purpose
As I journey through my week of ponderings into the new year I find my ultimate purpose anchored in the God I know and serve. This purpose is reflected in the statements of Isaiah and the writings of Peter.
Isaiah 43:7
“… I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea I have made him.”
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister…let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ…”
1 Peter 4:10 & 11
As we realize that our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God in our life and life’s work, it is easier to obtain the perception needed to live with purpose in all things. Whether it is a stay-at-home mom with a sink full of dirty dishes, a student with stressful exams due, a nurse with terminally ill patients, or some other occupation, whatever it is can be the catalyst to bringing about ways to glorify the God of heaven.
It was Brother Lawrence, a monk from the seventeenth century who washed pots and pans for the love of God. In spite of the menial tasks Brother Lawrence practiced living in the presence of God throughout his daily duties. A mental shift in our attitude often finds us cheerfully performing our duties and in so doing we bring glory to our Creator.
Indeed, God has a plan and purpose for each of us to fulfill in this life. Those plans will flow out of our ultimate purpose of living a life glorifying to God. Our singular purpose must be to glorify God. As we fulfill this goal, God will guide us into our earthly life’s objectives and aspirations.
Purpose to Ponder
As a new year dawns there are still unanswered questions and unexplained heartaches. But God walks life with us. This week I encourage you to pause and ponder before the door closes on 2020.
Circumstances do have an impact. There is a purpose to this life. Ask the questions and search for the gems that can be retained from an otherwise not-so-good year.
Was there a specific incident that brought you closer to God? Where can the threads of God’s grace and mercy be traced in your life? How was God’s faithfulness showcased in the year 2020? Look for the defining moments, realize the blessings and recognize the sovereignty of God. Regardless of what lies ahead we can step forward into 2021 with purposeful intent and implicit trust in the God we serve.
1 Comment
Sandy Miles · December 29, 2020 at 8:53 pm
Beautifully said.