A wise way to close one chapter – so you don’t carry it into the next
As the year comes to a close and we review, as we live between miracle and mystery many of us feel the tension between dreams and disappointments.
Some prayers were answered.
Some progress was real.
But some hopes simply didn’t happen, or were deferred – and God says that can make the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). If disappointment isn’t dealt with, it doesn’t disappear – it comes with us into the new year. Disappointment carried forward can morph into cynicism, guarded faith, or reduced expectation.
Scripture shows us a better way to finish a year.
1. Name what didn’t happen
One of the most spiritual things you can do at year end is tell the truth.
Not everything worked.
Not everyone healed.
Not every mountain moved.
Unacknowledged disappointment settles in the heart. Acknowledged disappointment can be healed.
Ask yourself:
- What did I hope for that didn’t happen?
- What loss am I still minimising?
- Where am I more tired, frustrated or hurting than I admit?
This isn’t negativity or lack of faith. It’s honesty – and God can take it.
2. Lament – it’s strength, not weakness
The Bible doesn’t rush people past disappointment. It gives them language for it.
Lament says:
- Lord, this hurts!
- Father, I don’t understand
- God, I still trust you
Many of the Psalms end in trust, but start in truth.
If you skip lament, disappointment will leak out sideways – into prayerlessness, irritability, or quiet withdrawal. Lament keeps your heart soft.
3. Don’t let outcomes redefine God
Disappointment becomes dangerous if we let it reshape who we think God is.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” (Lamentations 3:22)
Declare it! The year may have disappointed you. God did not abandon you.
Before the year ends, ask:
- Am I trusting God less because things didn’t turn out as hoped?
- Do I have a smaller dream in case it turns into a nightmare?
- Have I lowered my expectations of God instead of deepening my trust?
Mature faith holds disappointment without surrendering trust.
4. Beware cynicism dressed up as wisdom
End-of-year disappointment often sounds like this:
- “I’m just being realistic”
- “I’m praying God changes me rather than the situation.”
- “I’ve learned not to hope too hard”
That’s not wisdom. That’s wounded, battered down hope, hope in a better outcome maybe – but “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
You don’t need smaller hope. You need to see God bigger. That’s where you’ll get deeper hope – anchored in God’s character, not ideal outcomes.
5. Close the year intentionally – with gratitude
If you don’t close the year well, it will close you down.
A simple biblical pattern as I journal in the coming days:
- Thank God for what was given
- Grieve what was lost
- Release what you can’t control
- Recommit your trust
Jesus regularly paused between seasons. Reflection isn’t weakness – it’s wisdom.
6. Step into the new year lighter, not louder
Healthy new year hope doesn’t begin with hype. It begins with clarity.
Reviewing God’s revelations rather than making resolutions. Hold onto his promises because you can’t lead well into the future if you’re emotionally stuck in the past.
The goal isn’t to pretend last year didn’t hurt.
It’s to ensure it doesn’t define you.
A closing prayer
Lord God,
I thank you for what you gave me this year.
I bring you what I lost, what I’m confused about and what didn’t happen the way I expected.
I still trust you to heal what still hurts.
I release what I cannot fix.
Help me step into the new year ready for a new dream
not hard hearted –
but hopeful again.
Amen.