December has arrived, marking the end of the year. Winter is upon us, and the festive spirit fills the air with Christmas carols echoing in every shop. The vibrant colors of red, green, and white decorate every corner. It’s a season of remembering friends and family, a time for sentimentality that causes us to reach out to our loved ones. For students, exams are on the way, while those in the workforce anticipate their bonuses. The church gears up for the thanksgiving service, Christmas celebrations, and the crossover night. In conclusion, December is a busy month brimming with joy, love, and celebrations.
As the year draws to a close and we look forward to the arrival of the new year, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the past months before designing our new year resolutions. I strongly believe in expressing gratitude as it speaks volumes about one’s character. I prefer the company of those who appreciate the little things in life rather than those who walk around with the spirit of entitlement (it irks me).
I’m sure each of us has at least ONE thing to be grateful for this year, whether big or small. In the midst of the challenges, let’s reflect on a few things that we should thank God for, no matter how rough the year might have been.
- Life: We should be eternally grateful for the gift of life each new day. The privilege of experiencing life is worth celebrating, considering many do not have this opportunity. Every day, people pass away, yet here you and I are, still breathing. Our gratitude should extend beyond the experiences on earth, as we’re also promised life after death with Christ. (John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life).
- Health: The saying ‘Health is wealth’ holds true, especially in an era where individuals face challenges in working due to physical or mental health issues. The ability to enjoy good health and function properly is a priceless asset that should not be underestimated (Matthew 13:16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear).
- Safety & security: The ability to leave our homes, workplaces, schools, and more without accident is another aspect to be grateful for. In a world where no place is entirely safe, we’re covered by the divine protection of our Lord God Almighty (Psalm 91:10-11 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways).
- Provisions: This is a familiar experience for all of us. Every day, we present our requests to God, and consistently, He provides for us. Sometimes, He grants us exactly what we ask for, while other times, His generosity exceeds our expectations. Our God is the embodiment of endless generosity (Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?)
- Intellectual/mental capacity: Christians possess a unique intelligence, as they not only comprehend the physical world but also understand the ways of the supernatural. The discerning spirit that comes from being in tune with the Holy Spirit not only saves us from many dangers but also guides us in making the right choices. (Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight).
- A solid support system: One aspect I cherish about Christianity is the sense of community we share. As brothers and sisters in Christ, each of us has a valued place in the house of God. When our earthly families fall short, we find support and prayer from our spiritual family members, ready to assist us in any way we need (Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!)
- Love: There is nothing greater than love, and the love we receive from our heavenly Father is unmatched. Every win, progress and every accomplishment—all is attributed to His grace and the love He showers upon us (1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him).
- Peace: Being aware of the power of God, even in times of great distress, gives us hope that all will be well. The significance of mental peace should not be underestimated, as the absence of it can lead to various diseases. Let us be grateful for the peace of mind we have. (Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people, and the Lord blesses his people with peace).
- Freedom: I’m not referring to the freedom of choice, but rather the freedom that liberates us from sin. Despite our mistakes, we have the opportunity to repent and be set free from our transgressions. God, in His mercy, offers freedom to the captives through His words. (John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed).
- Growth: As we dedicate ourselves to Him, our growth becomes more evident. The pace of growth varies for each individual, yet in Christ, we all eventually bear fruits. Each opportunity to serve God is a privilege for which we should be grateful. (1 Timothy 4:14-15 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all).
The things I listed above might seem trivial, but their significance becomes apparent the moment we experience lack in those areas. We humans often fail to appreciate things until we lose them.
Gratitude holds immense blessings as it encourages God to do even more for us. Picture giving someone a gift and witnessing their face light up with the brightest smile. In that moment, the joy they radiate motivates you to seize any opportunity to buy them something special. When we genuinely express gratitude to God for the things He has done for us, we bring Him joy. By making Him happy, we pave the way for His willingness to assist us and bless us abundantly before we even articulate our next request.
At the start of the year, I adopted the song ‘Jireh’ by Elevation Worship & Maverick City as my personal mantra. I played this song during my commute to school, upon achieving goals, in the supermarket, and whenever I felt down. Singing the song became a ritual intertwined with reflecting on everything I was grateful for, no matter how trivial it may have seemed.
This practice kept me positive, hopeful, and cheerful through the ups and downs of the year. Setbacks became less disheartening, and I found myself more motivated. Reflecting on my blessings and progress reminded me of the power of God and His plans, which were even more significant than I had imagined.
Surprisingly, this simple habit I cultivated for myself exceeded my expectations. Every goal I had written down for the year, I managed to achieve. By intentionally expressing gratitude for both the big and small things around me, God walked with me every step of the way, opening doors I didn’t even know existed.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This verse says it all; give thanks in all circumstances.
Stay Blessed x
