Psalm 143:5 gives us a framework for reflection as we seek to make decisions and move forward in a complex world.

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on the work of your hands.”

Step 1: Slowing Down

The Psalmist says, “I remember the days of old…” In other words, they take time to access their life. But, speed and noise are the currencies of our culture. The faster you are and the more noise and awareness you can generate the more you are celebrated. But memory is lost when all we are doing is speeding up and making more noise. In order to remember well we must slow down. Slowing down means taking time to reflect on life, on God, and on the future.

Step 2: Selecting (Meditation)

“I meditate on all you have done.” Meditation is not just mindlessness but intentional mindfulness. We make plans often but they always seem to change. But God works his plans with our desires. So When we are reflecting, it is important that we select moments of the work of God in our life and focus our attention there to learn patterns that can help us in the current circumstance or in the future.

Step 3: Sorting (Reimaging)

God has a way of reworking things in ways we never thought possible. But we can tend to resist God because it can get uncomfortable. So rather than limiting our thinking about the way we think things should work, let us reimagine more possibilities. When you look back on your life you will see connections and outcomes that you did not orchestrate. That is the work of God’s hands. This helps you to expand your expectations of what is possible.

Step 4: Shifting (Pace of Life)

Reflection should lead to courageous living. Indecision is the result of fear in making a mistake, but Jesus is not calling us to avoid mistakes but to join him in living life in the Kingdom of God. When we take time to remember his goodness and power, it will help us to live in the present and take risks in the future.