“‘If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,’ Let Israel now say—” (Psalm 124:1)
As this year draws to a close and a new one begins, take some time to look back and reflect on the past year. If God had not been in the equation, how would things have turned out? What kind of changes would there have been? Imagining what life would have been like without God reminds us of His continual faithfulness, amazing grace, and beautiful plan that He has for us. It reminds us of the importance of counting our blessings, cultivating a heart of gratitude, and developing the habit of always thanking God in all circumstances.
In times of weakness, we may ask God, “Do You still love me?” To which He lovingly replies, “If I didn’t love you, you wouldn’t be here.” If not for His love, we would not be in His church or alive today. Where we are today is no mistake; it is the greatest grace.
While it is important to lay our requests before God, who is our refuge and strength, let us also pause to give Him the thanks and praise He deserves. From the big things to the small things, from the beginning of the day to the end, may we remember to pick up the crumbs of blessings that God showers upon us each day. The more specific we are in our gratitude, the deeper our gratitude becomes.
When we look at God’s blessings more closely, we will be able to see more of what God has given us. We will be able to focus on what we have instead of what we do not. God has already given us so much every day; may we offer the sacrifice of praise throughout our journey of faith, thanking Him for all He has done, all He is doing, and all He will continue to do for us.
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)