Numbering Our Days: a Birthday Reflection

What if birthdays were more than just annual celebrations? What if they were sacred pauses, opportunities for profound spiritual growth? Last Saturday, the 10th August, was my birthday, and it was a great opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and commit my plans to God. As Psalm 90:12 reminds us, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom".

Each year, as we mark the passing of another 365 days, we are given a unique chance to evaluate our lives through the lens of God's faithfulness. What blessings unfolded? What challenges did we face? How did God's grace carry us through? Reflecting on these questions helps us appreciate His work in our lives, even in the midst of uncertainty.

But birthdays are not just about looking back; they are also a time to recalibrate and be future-focused. With each new year of life, we have the opportunity to reassess our priorities and realign our goals with God's will. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to "commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans". As we step into a new year, we can lay our dreams, ambitions, and plans before God, seeking His guidance and trusting that He will direct our paths.

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to lose sight of our spiritual journey. Birthdays offer a precious moment to pause and ask: Am I living intentionally? Am I growing in my relationship with God? Am I fulfilling His purpose for my life? These questions challenge us to live with greater purpose, ensuring our days aren't merely counted, but filled with meaning.

As you reflect on your own birthday, I encourage you to take the time to consider how you can use this milestone to draw closer to God. Consider journaling your thoughts, spending quiet time in prayer, or discussing your reflections with a trusted friend. Let this special day be a catalyst for drawing closer to God. Reflect on the past, recalibrate your focus for the future, and commit your ways to the Lord. In doing so, you’ll step into the new year with a heart of wisdom and a deeper sense of God’s presence in your life.

A Prayer for the Year Ahead

As I celebrated my birthday, I took some time at the start of the day to write a personal prayer for the year ahead. This prayer reflects my desire to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and live with intention and purpose. I share it here in the hope that it might also be a blessing to you:

Heavenly Father,

I come before you today with a heart overflowing with gratitude to celebrate another year of your grace, mercy, and love towards me. I thank you, Father, for the precious gift of life this last year and for carrying me through each day, come what may.

Father, I know that you created me with a unique purpose: today I recommit myself to fulfilling that purpose. Grant me through your Spirit the wisdom, strength, ability, and clarity to live according to your perfect will in Christ Jesus.

Thank you for the amazing people in my life and for your abundant provision; help me to be the best husband, father, leader, and steward that I can be. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and build your kingdom - for the opportunity to love others, be a blessing, and to make a difference.

As I step into this new year, may I grow even deeper in my relationship with you. May my life be a reflection of your nature and a godly example of your love and grace. Help me to live in a way that honours you in this world and may every breath I take bring glory to your name. May my eyes be open to the opportunities you will give me each day to glorify you, share your love with others, and live out the purpose you've planned for me. Most of all, every day this year may I increasingly look more and more just like Jesus.

On this my 43rd birthday, I thank you not just for the past year but the journey ahead you have for me; please guide my steps, fill me with Your Spirit, and empower me to fulfil your plans.

Father, I dedicate this new year to you, trusting that as I seek you and your kingdom purposes first, everything else will fall into place according to your divine plan - for your glory, for mine and my loved ones’ joy, and for the good of others!

In Jesus’ name!

Amen