A Day of Reflection
What is a “Day of Reflection”?
It’s not uncommon to take inventory of our lives each year. We meet with financial advisors annually and ask, “How am I doing?” We have annual reviews with our bosses and ask, “How am I doing?” We meet with physical trainers and doctors to take inventory and ask, “How am I doing?”
In the same way, we want to regularly take time for personal reflection with the Lord to pause and reflect on our own journey of discipleship, and ask God, “How am I doing?”
We’re calling this a Day of Reflection. By slowing down and pausing to examine ourselves spiritually, we’re inviting the Lord to show us where He wants us to grow and inviting Him to transform us.
Here’s How It’ll Work:
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Spiritual Self-Assessment
Prayerfully walk through each of our discipleship values using the Day of Reflection tool and take inventory. Ask of each trait: Is this missing, weak, visible, or strong in our lives? Invite the Lord to show you yourself.
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SGP Tool Box
Eager to get started with your growth steps, but need some ideas on where to start? Here’s a list of resources and sample growth steps you might find helpful for each of the seven values.
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Share Your Plan
In light of what the Lord has shown you in your assessment, which one of our discipleship values do you believe the Lord wants you to grow in? Choose tools and resources to help you grow in your head, heart, and hands.
Get Started…
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Change of Place
If possible, don’t use this at home or at the office. Find another location, a peaceful place where you can hide away and sit in quietness with God. “A change of pace and a change of place often equals a change of perspective.”
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Unplug
As best as you can, try to be off-grid and tech-free. Silencing your phone is good; leaving it away from you in the car is even better. You’ll be amazed at how often you go to reach for your phone, even when there isn’t a notification, simply because it’s in the room.
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Give Yourself Time
Schedule this time. Whether it’s 30 minutes, an hour, or half a day, give yourself the gift of unhurried time. Consider yourself unavailable - you’re keeping an appointment... with God. Waiting on the Lord is easier when you don’t have to get to something after. So block out your time and think, “There’s nothing required of me behind this moment.”
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Settle In
Get situated. Bring your Bible, a journal, and a pen. Have your Reflection Tool in hand. Bring a coffee, water, or your drink of choice.
If you choose to listen to music, don’t forget to bring your headphones. -
Stillness and Silence
Give your soul the chance to quiet down and catch up. Take a few deep breaths. Recognize that God is present with you and desires to meet with you.
Try to get up to 5 minutes of silence and stillness. If your mind wanders, just gently bring your thoughts back to the presence of God with you.
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Chew on God’s Word
Read Psalm 139 a few times, slowly and deliberately. You are not reading for completion or study as much as you are reading to hear. Mark up the passage, highlighting and taking notes as you go. If you’d like, do some COMA Journaling to help you reflect on it even further.
Once you’ve completed your Day of Reflection, that’s when the real work begins. Hopefully, this was a meaningful experience where God revealed some things to you and highlighted the areas He’d like to transform.
In light of what the Lord has shown you, choose a Discipleship Value that you believe the Lord wants you to grow in.
We’d love for you to share your plan with us so we can journey with you in your spiritual growth!
