Good day
As we approach the end of this year, it's a good time to reflect on all the little things we so easily overlook and take for granted. A time to be thankful that we have a roof over our heads, food to eat, clothing to wear, loved ones, family, friends, an income, our health, etc. and to take a moment to give God the thanks and praise for His love, wisdom, strength, help, grace and faithfulness over this past year.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Psalms 34:1-3
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.”
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him
Psalms 107:1-2
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.
Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Psalms 100:1-5
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
I believe that this time of reflection and thanksgiving provides us with hope and encouragement because as we think back and consider all the times that God provided, looked after, cared for, answered prayer, restored, reconciled, encouraged, strengthened, empowered, provided wisdom/direction and helped us, etc. we find hope knowing that the same God who did all of this in 2021 is the same God who said He'll never leave us nor forsake us and who will be with us in 2022!
This time of reflection and thanksgiving instills an inward knowing, confidence, peace and courage that the God who brought and carried us through in this past year will be just as faithful, helpful and patient as He's ever been! Where we can confidently say that our hope is in a living God and believe that He's there with us when the new year comes along!
So my encouragement is that you take a moment to do so my friend, where you can be alone, maybe have praise and worship music playing and just speak openly to God, where you start to think on all the things you're grateful for and say it out aloud and intentionally give God the thanks.
Amen