As a new season unfolds, it is important to pause and reflect intentionally. Beyond general declarations, God invites each of us to examine our lives personally. In this article, I share five simple areas you can use to review the past season and preview the one ahead. By asking honest questions and listening prayerfully, clarity, direction, and purpose begin to emerge for the journey ahead.
As we move further into a new year and season, it is natural to begin thinking about what the previous one held and what the new one may bring.
In the previous post, we talked about what it means to review the past and preview the season ahead, and why that exercise is important. In this follow-up, I want to suggest five simple areas you can use to guide that reflection.
I prefer to approach this by asking honest questions. That is how I have always done it personally. As you think through these questions, prayer points for the season ahead will begin to rise naturally in your heart.
1. Relationship with God
This is the most important area to review and preview. Everything else in your life flows from here. Scripture reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing, which makes this relationship central, not optional.
So ask yourself, what was my walk with God really like in the last season? Where did I struggle? Where did I fall short? What did God teach me about Himself? What principles did I discover or rediscover? What did God do for me that I must never forget?
Also ask, what habits helped my walk with God, and which ones hurt it? What must not follow me into this new season? And as you look ahead, what do you sense God leading you into now? What is He saying to you about your walk with Him?
From here, your prayer issues for the season ahead will become clear.
2. Relationship with People
This comes next, because relationships matter. The Bible reminds us that the people we walk with shape the direction of our lives, whether for good or for harm. Permit me to highlight a few critical relationships you need to evaluate:
- Your immediate family – Spouse and biological children (if you’re married), parents and siblings
- Your discipler, pastor, older friend etc.
- Your brethren and relationships in church
- Your relationships at work
- Your other friends and acquaintances
How did these relationships go in the last season? Who were the people around you? What kind of influence did they have on you? Some friendships may need to go with the past because they added little or even pulled you away from God.
On the other hand, there are relationships that strengthened your walk, they corrected you, prayed with you, or encouraged you. Scripture speaks of iron sharpening iron, and such relationships are worth renewing, protecting, and valuing going forward.
Be honest about the kind of people you keep close, and the kind of person you are becoming among them.
3. Academics, Profession & Work
Now look at your academics, profession, place of work or business. The Bible encourages us to do our work as unto the Lord, not merely to please people or make money.
How did the last season go? Where did you do well, and where did you struggle? What mistakes did you make, and what lessons did you learn? Are there patterns you keep repeating that need to be corrected?
Consider your relationships with lecturers, supervisors, your boss, colleagues, or subordinates. Do you need counsel or guidance in any area? Scripture affirms the value of wise counsel, especially when progress seems slow or blocked.
Do not enter another season repeating the same avoidable mistakes. Review, preview, and pray deliberately about your academics or work.
4. Special Assignments and Labour
As we grow as disciples, God often begins to trust us with specific assignments. Scripture teaches that faithfulness in little things is what qualifies us for greater responsibility.
Think back. Were there people God asked you to follow up? A class you were asked to teach? Someone He placed on your heart to pray for, care for, or encourage? How did you handle those responsibilities?
Some assignments may not look spiritual at first. It could have been a task at work, an instruction from your boss, or an opportunity to help someone quietly. But many times, God uses such moments to test faithfulness, shape our character and build capacity for greater tasks.
What mistakes did you make? What lessons did you learn? And how can you do better in the season ahead?
5. Finances and Resources
Finally, reflect on your finances and resources. Scripture often reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, and that faithfulness matters more than volume.
What were the resources God sent to you this past year? How did you handle money in the last season? Did you experience God’s provision? Did you practice biblical principles like giving? Or were you careless, greedy, or desperate for quick gains? Did you fall into traps or make avoidable mistakes?
Or were you conscious that what you earn is a trust from God, not something you own outright? As you look ahead, how should your attitude to money change? What does faithfulness look like for you in this area?
The Value of Personal Accountability
Now, this is the value of personal accountability and record-keeping. Whether it is a record of your daily quiet time and experience with God, or a simple journal of your daily experiences, these are important for your review at the end of the year. Keeping a financial account of personal income and expenses would also help you when reviewing your year and guide you in making better choices in the new year.
So here is your assignment again…
Prayerfully & thoughtfully reflect over & then write down a review, preview and prayer points for the new year.
Finally, this record is first for you. You do not have to show it to anyone. Keep it, revisit it, and evaluate yourself as the season progresses.
However, I often encourage sharing it, or a summary of it, with a discipler or trusted spiritual guide. It helps them pray more accurately for you and walk with you wisely. Just be sincere. Do not try to impress anyone or paint a false picture. God works best with honesty.
God bless you beloved.
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