Reviewing this year may seem like an insurmountable task; one I might just as soon forget. After all, there is something to be said about leaving the past in the past. There is also something to be said for reviewing the past and making peace with it. I know I don’t want to allow 2020 to hold me captive in anyway for any length of time. So, I review.

¹O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. ²You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. ³You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. ⁴You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. ⁵You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. ⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

Psalm 139:1-5

I begin my review of the year affirming the truth that God has been with me every step of the way. I cannot go anywhere or say anything that he doesn’t already know. Knowing that the loving presence of God is always with me gives me confidence to look back. There is nothing I will encounter in my review of the year that is unknown to God, the one who loves me deeply, intimately, and unconditionally.

Perhaps you have felt abandoned or neglected by God this year, even angry at situations and events outside of your control. I encourage you to take a few moments to acknowledge your feelings before God. If his hand of blessing seemed to be missing, acknowledge that and tell him you want to see anything you missed the past year. Ask him to go before you into this honest review of your life.

Rest in his loving embrace today.