A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.– Psalm 100: 1-5
2021 showed that gratitude does not come easy. There were far more things to gripe about, get heated over, or just plain ol’ complain about as our lives have been taken over by a “new normal,” propaganda media wants to program us, and the very people we care about most become divided over politics.
We as a people have become quick to anger and hardly listen. Giving thanks for what we have has been replaced by coveting what we want. A quiet time of reflection and appreciation was superseded for Black Friday sales and waking up far too early to get the latest toys and gadgets that went under the tree. And yet in the days since most of those toys have been discarded or even broken. Meals have been eaten without thanks to the cook, and our take-it-for-granted lives have continued on.
At some point, or another, we have all fallen for the lie ” I have to have it.” Whatever it is, “it” becomes an idol, a need that surpasses everything else. It is the answer to our problems and the source of joy. Yet we find ourselves empty and grasping for the next “it” soon after obtaining there first. We have forgotten the peace and joy that can be found in gratitude.
Thanks and Gratitude is More than You Think
The act of being grateful is more than empty words. Being thankful has power over us and our lives. Science has proven that the simple act of counting one’s blessings can change your mood, improve your health, and better your relationships. Your life is simply better when you are grateful.
God knows that we are weak and easily diverted from His goodness, but He always leaves us breadcrumbs to find Him again. Gratitude is one of those breadcrumbs.
As 2021 comes to a close and 2022 looms before us it is time to refocus ourselves on what truly matters: Faith, relationships, connection, our peace of mind.
In your darkest moments in this new year remember that God is still good, that He is still King, and that you are so incredibly loved by Him. You are not alone in this season and have far more to be grateful for than you realize.
There is nothing in your life at this moment, or any moment to come, that isn’t a gift deserving of thanks from the One who gave it to you, God himself. I pray He gives you eyes to see that in this New Year.
Prayer
Father God, open my eyes to see your blessings and the opportunities you lead me to in this new year. Protect my thoughts from the buzz and marketing of the world and instead fill me with your peace that goes beyond understanding. Lord, I pray for wisdom to run the race you have placed before me well in this new year and the understanding to be thankful to all you are teaching me and blessing me with even in the hard times. Lord, I pray that you give me a grateful heart even when the answers to my prayers are “no.” Father God, most of all I am grateful for your mercy that is new each day, your forgiveness, and the love you give to me, a sinner. I am grateful for my Lord Jesus and His sacrifice that I may have fellowship with you and can build a relationship with you, the Alpha and Omega, The Almighty, a relationship that will last all eternity. In Jesus’ powerful and holy name I pray. Amen.
