Looking back, looking forward

As we arrive at this point in the year, standing at the threshold of the final three months, it feels natural to pause. To look back at what has been, and to look forward to what is still to come.

The past months may hold a mixture of experiences: moments of joy and gratitude, as well as times of disappointment or waiting. Perhaps there have been answered prayers that still fill you with awe, and perhaps there are longings you are still carrying into God’s presence. Life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect, and yet, when we pause and trace the path behind us, we can so often see the thread of God’s faithfulness running through it all.

Scripture reminds us: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” —Lamentations 3:22–23. Every day this year, whether we were aware of it or not, His mercy has met us afresh. His love has held us. His Spirit has guided us.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.”

Lamentations 3:22-23

And now, as we step into the final quarter of the year, we face a new invitation: to trust. We may not know what the next three months will bring. We may be stepping into busy seasons, carrying unfinished goals, or holding questions that linger without answers. But we do know the One who goes before us.

This is the moment to release the weight of regrets from the months behind us and the anxiety of what’s ahead. To remember that God is not finished with our story. What remains of this year is still full of His possibility. His goodness and mercy will follow us every single day (Psalm 23:6).

So let’s lean into these final months with open hands and expectant hearts. Let’s ask Him to shape our days, teach us to number them with wisdom, and help us live in faith and hope, anchored in His promises.

A prayer for this season:

“Lord, thank You for walking with me through the days that have passed. I bring before You the joys and the sorrows, the things accomplished and the things unfinished. As I step into these last months of the year, help me to trust You fully. May my eyes stay fixed on You, my heart remain open to Your leading, and my life reflect Your faithfulness. Amen.”

Reflective Questions for journaling

1. As you look back over this year so far, where can you see God’s faithfulness at work?

2. What prayers has He answered that you can pause to give thanks for today?

3. Are there burdens, regrets, or worries you need to release into His hands before moving into these next three months?

4. What hopes or expectations do you want to entrust to Him for the remainder of the year?

5. How can you live these last three months intentionally, drawing closer to Him day by day?