Reflecting on God's Faithfulness in the Past Year

We're almost a week into the new year! This is a time when many of us reflect on the year past and those moments that shaped us the most. Looking back, we can see God's abundant provision, as it says in Psalm 65:11 NKJV, "You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance." This verse is an invitation to pause, look back, and recognize God's goodness, even in the midst of difficulties.

Why remember those challenging times? Reflecting on the past year isn't only about remembering the good things. It's also an opportunity to see how God's hand guided us, provided for us, and showed us His faithfulness each part of the year.

This post is about taking a look back and reflecting on how God was with us each day. Let this reflection inspire you and fill your heart with gratitude for what He has done.

Recognizing God's Presence

Psalm 23:4 NKJV says, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Why is this verse great for reflecting on the past year? 

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that God is with us every moment. The verse is a metaphor for a shepherd caring for his sheep. In ancient times, the shepherd's rod and staff were used to protect their flock of sheep. Regarding us, the verse and its metaphor remind us that God is with us at all times. He is with us to provide, protect, and guide. We're always in His care. 

Walking "through the valley of the shadow of death" gives us a picture of everyday life. We are daily faced with dangers that present a "shadow of death." While we may not face literal death, there are other kinds of death we face, including the loss of loved ones, job loss, financial distress, health problems, and more. Jesus guides us through all of this and more each day. 

When our Good Shepherd guides us through each day, we don’t need to fear evil. Our Lord's constant presence is there to come between us and danger or fear. We know He is with us when He guides us with His rod and staff. We can take comfort from His presence and protection. 

When we reflect on God's presence in the last year, we can remember those moments when God offered His comforting assurance—in moments of uncertainty, sorrow, or joy. We can also take comfort in His provision over the year.

Reflection 

    1. Can you think of specific moments when you felt God's presence most strongly in 2024?

    2. How did God guide you through moments of uncertainty or difficulty?

Take time to pause and thank God for those moments of intimacy with Him where His comfort and direction were clear. His presence is a steady anchor, no matter the circumstances.

Bible Reference:

    1. Isaiah 41:10 NKJV: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Reflecting on God's Provision

God has also provided for us over the past year, and He provides for us abundantly. We may have been through health issues and needed emotional strength or spiritual nourishment. Rest assured that God has shown His provision in countless ways.

In Philippians 4:19 NKJV, Paul assures us, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This powerful promise reminds us that God never fails to meet our needs.

Reflection:

Now's the perfect time to take a moment and write down specific ways God provided for you in 2024—whether through unexpected financial support, renewed relationships, or even small acts of kindness. Reflecting on these moments will remind you that God's provision is abundant, even when it's not always obvious.

Bible Reference:

    1. Matthew 6:31-33 NKJV: "Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?" or 'What shall we wear?" For after all these things, the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Thanking God for Answered Prayers?

Yes! One of the most powerful ways to experience God's faithfulness is through answered prayers. As we look back over the year, we can see how God has answered our prayers in various ways. Sometimes, we may have received a "yes," while at other times, God's answer was "no." Sometimes we may tell us to "wait."

No matter what His answer is, rest assured that God is working for our good.

Actionable Tip:

Think back over the year. Try to find about five prayers that God answered over the last year. Write these down in a journal and thank God for how He responded to your needs, your desires, and your growth. This will remind you of His active presence in your life and encourage your faith.

Bible Reference:

    1. 1 John 5:14-15 NKJV: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

    2. Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Celebrating God's Abundant Blessings

It's easy to get caught up in the challenges of life and forget to recognize the blessings we experience daily. Yet, Psalm 103:2 NKJV reminds us, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." God blesses us in ways that we can't always perceive.

The Lord's many blessings may often go unnoticed, from the small moments of joy to the life-changing experiences of growth and breakthrough. The key is to be intentional in remembering and giving thanks.

Actionable Tip:

Start a "blessing jar" or a gratitude journal. How do these work?

Write down a blessing or something you are grateful for each day or week. At the end of the year, take time to review these notes and marvel at how God has been faithful in blessing you.

Bible Reference:

    1. James 1:17 NKJV: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

Growing in Faith and Trust

Our trust in the Lord often deepens as we reflect on His faithfulness. The challenges and blessings of the past year were all part of God's plan to grow our faith and deepen our trust in Him. Romans 8:28 NKJV reminds us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." 

We can trust that even when things didn't go as planned, God was still at work in us, shaping our character and strengthening our trust in His promises. 

Actionable Tip:

Reflect on areas where you've seen growth in your faith. Write down one area where you still feel God is calling you to trust Him more. Begin praying for greater faith and trust in that area as you enter the new year.

Bible Reference:

    1. Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV: "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

Conclusion

As we reflect on God's faithfulness over the past year, we're reminded that the same faithful God will continue to guide, provide, and bless us in this new year. We need to cultivate a heart of gratitude, remembering how He has been with us in the past and will continue to be with us into the future. 

When we take time to recognize His work in our lives, it helps us move forward with confidence in our Lord and in His promises. 

Closing Prayer:

Our Lord, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness over the past year. Thank You for Your provision, Your answered prayers, and Your abundant blessings. As we step into this new year, help us to trust You more deeply and to continue to recognize Your presence in every moment. May our hearts overflow with gratitude, and may we seek to honor You in all that we do.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

Have you reflected on God's faithfulness? Comment below! :)

A Christian’s Guide to New Beginnings in 2025

Welcome to the New Year! We’ve just started 2025! There’s something exciting about beginning a new year. It’s a time to start fresh with a brand new year. This is also a time of reflection, anticipation, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

The new year often brings with it a desire for change and growth. As Christians, this is not only about setting personal goals or resolutions but embracing the transformation that God offers each of us. We can find passages in the Bible that apply to this time of year. 

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV, we are reminded, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” The verse highlights the beauty of a fresh start in Christ—each new day, each new year, is an invitation to embrace the new life that Jesus offers. As we begin this year, let’s reflect on how we can start fresh in our faith and live out God’s plans for our lives with renewed passion and purpose. 

Embrace the Power of New Beginnings

The start of the new year is a powerful reminder that, in Christ, we can always begin anew. Just as the changing seasons reflect God’s creative work in the world, the new year allows us to embrace God’s renewing power in our lives. 

Isaiah 43:19 NKJV says, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” 

This verse says that our Father is constantly at work, and every moment in Christ offers us a fresh start. Whatever struggles or disappointments we faced in the past year, we can lay them at Jesus’ feet and move forward in the confidence that He is making all things new. 

Practical tip: take a moment to reflect on the past year. What are some things you need to leave behind? Maybe it’s guilt, regrets, or past mistakes. Embrace God’s forgiveness through Christ and accept the renewal that only He can offer. Commit to moving forward with a clean slate. 

This doesn’t mean not taking responsibility. On the contrary, we must take responsibility for those things we’ve done and do what we can to rectify them. Seeks God’s guidance in this. 

Reflect on God’s Faithfulness in the Past Year

Before we look forward, it’s important to reflect on how God has been faithful in the year that’s just ended. No matter what challenges we faced, God’s provision, guidance, and love have been evident in our lives. Have you made it into the new year? Be sure to thank our Father! 

As we reflect on His faithfulness, we can see how He has been at work in our lives, even though we may have realized it. Philippians 1:6 NKJV encourages us, “Being confident of this every thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” We can trust that God has been shaping us and will continue His work in us this year. 

Practical tip: take some time to thank God for His faithfulness in the past year. Write down specific blessings, answered prayers, and moments when you felt His presence. Let this practice of gratitude set the tone for the year ahead. 

Set Christ-Centered Goals for the Year Ahead

Setting goals is natural at the beginning of a new year. However, as Christians, our resolutions should go beyond personal achievements or success. The new year is an opportunity to align our goals with God’s will and to pursue spiritual growth. 

Matthew 6:33 NKJV says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” When we choose to prioritize God’s kingdom, everything falls into place. Instead of only focusing on personal goals, we can set resolutions that reflect our desire to grow closer to God and live out His purposes. 

Practical tip: this year, consider setting goals that focus on your relationship with God and serving others. You can start by committing to the following: 

    • Increase time spent studying the Bible to grow in understanding. 

    • Serve your church or community. 

    • Commit to praying daily or joining a prayer group. 

    • Share your faith with someone who doesn’t know Christ. 

Be sure to seek God’s guidance in everything, including choosing resolutions and focusing on building your relationship with God. 

Commit to Spiritual Renewal Through Daily Habits

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start daily habits that us grow spiritually. As Colossians 3:16 NKJV says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in y our hearts to the Lord.” Daily habits such as prayer, Bible study, and worship are essential for nurturing our faith. 

By incorporating spiritual disciplines into our daily lives, we open the door for God to work in us and transform us. These habits help us stay connected to God, grounded in His Word, and open to His guidance. 

Practical tip: choose one spiritual habit to focus on in the new year. Maybe consider starting each day with prayer and reading a chapter from the Bible daily or keeping a gratitude journal. Commit to making this habit a part of your routine, allowing it to strengthen your relationship with God. 

Let God Take the Wheel and Trust Him for the Year Ahead

In 2005, country singer Carry Underwood performed the song “Jesus Take the Wheel.” The song tells how a young woman miraculously survives a car crash. During the accident, the woman asks Jesus to take the wheel and save her from the road she’s on. This faith-based song has been extremely popular since it came out. It’s a reminder that we, too, can allow Jesus to “take the wheel” of our lives. 

We also see this theme in Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” 

As we move forward into the new year, we are called to trust God with our plans and surrender our anxieties about the future. He knows what lies ahead and promises to guide us with His wisdom and love. 

Practical tip: take a moment to surrender your plans to God. Let go of any fears or worries about what the year ahead may bring. Trust that God will lead you and that His plans for you are good, even when things don’t go as expected. 

Take Action with Faith and Boldness

A new year is not just about setting intentions and goals; it’s about taking action. God has equipped us with everything we need to live boldly for Him. Ephesians 2:10 NKJV reminds us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” 

We are created to make a difference in the world, to share the love of Christ, and to be a light in the darkness. This year, let’s step out in faith and take action, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. 

Practical tip: identify one area where you can live boldly for Christ this year. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone in need or getting involved in a ministry. Take the first step with faith, knowing God will empower and guide you. 

Always pray and seek God’s guidance before you step out in faith. His love and guidance are the keys to our success. 

A Year of Transformation in Christ

The new year is full of opportunities for transformation. As we step into 2025, let’s embrace the fresh start that God offers and trust in His plans for us. Remember that in Christ, we are new creations—freed from the past and empowered for the future. 

Philippians 1:6 NKJV gives us hope: “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…” God is with each of us, guiding us, and equipping us to grow, serve, and shine His light in the year ahead. 

Be sure to check out my Gumroad shop in a couple of days! I’m working on a 30-day devotional that goes with this post! I’ll let you know when it’s live in the shop! 

Let this year be the you commit to spiritual growth, embrace new beginnings, and live bodly for Christ. Take one step today—whether it’s praying, setting a goal, or trusting God with your plans. The journey of transformation starts now! 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

A Thanksgiving Prayer

It’s almost Thanksgiving in the US! Thanksgiving is a day when family and friends gather together to share some great food and spend time together. However, we can’t lose sight of the reason for this holiday—it’s an opportunity to pause and thank God for His faithfulness, love, provision, and care in our lives. 

Restoration of the Ark of the Covenant

The Bible is filled with examples of God’s people offering heartfelt thanks. They stopped to recognize His goodness, provision, and grace. For instance, 1 Chronicles 16:34 NKJV says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” This verse comes from when Israel was celebrating the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. 

The Ark, which symbolized God’s presence and His covenant with Israel, had been taken by the Philistines years earlier (see 1 Samuel 4:10-11). When the Ark was returned, it was kept in the house of Abinadab and later taken to Jerusalem under King David’s rule (2 Samuel 6:12-13). 

David recognized the significance of the Ark, so, he arranged for it to be placed in a tent he had made in Jerusalem. This celebration marked the restoration of worship and the people’s renewed focus on God’s presence among them. 

David and the people were ecstatically happy about the return of the Ark and its installation in Jerusalem! They let God know how happy they were, too! 

David’s Song of Thanksgiving

In 1 Chronicle 16, we see the celebration of the Ark’s return, which included offerings, music, and songs of praise led by King David. The song (verses 8-36) is a compilation of psalms that praise God’s greatness, faithfulness, and love. In verse 34, you find the central refrain of this song. It emphasizes God’s goodness and enduring love—a theme followed by the people of Israel when they returned to worshiping God. 

The key themes of this verse include: 

God’s goodness: an acknowledgment that God is good and His actions reflect His character. 

God’s enduring love: the Hebrew word “chesed” is often translated “love;” however, it means so much more. “Chesed” can mean loving-kindness, kindness, or love between people, or refer to God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness. It can also refer to covenant loyalty.

Thanksgiving as worship: the verse is also a model that shows how gratitude is a proper response to God’s character and His actions, along with His provision, love, and care.

In this very moment in 1 Chronicles 16, we see Israel’s, God’s chosen people, relationship with God restored. This was cause for great joy and gratitude. It also reminds us how to celebrate God’s faithfulness in our lives in the same spirit of Thanksgiving today. 

A Thanksgiving Prayer

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, consider including a prayer of gratitude in your celebration. Here is a simple prayer to guide your heart and help you express thanksgiving to God. 

Holy Father, 

We come before You with hearts full of praise and gratitude. Thank You for Your steadfast love, Your faithfulness, and Your many blessings. You have been our provider, protector, and guide in every season. 

Today, we remember that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17). Thank you for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We also thank You for the hope and peace we receive through Him. 

As we gather with loved ones, we thank You for the gift of family and community. We also express our thanks for the opportunity to celebrate this holiday together. Helps us to be mindful of those who may be struggling during this season and show us how to extend Your love and grace to them. 

May our gratitude not be confined to this day only, but we pray it overflows into every moment of our lives. Teach us to live with thankful hearts, continually praising You for Your goodness and mercy. 

In Jesus’ name, we pray, 

Amen. 

Reflecting on Gratitude

As you pray this Thanksgiving prayer (whether you celebrate this holiday or not), take time to reflect on how God has been faithful to you in the past year. Perhaps He provided unexpectedly, sustained you through a difficult season, or brought joy to your life through small, everyday blessings. Remember how God showed His faithfulness throughout the year and let Him know how thankful you are. 

Gratitude is an act of worship and a way to set our hearts toward God’s will. Psalm 9:1 says, “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.” This Thanksgiving, let’s not only feel grateful today—let’s express our gratitude in our prayers and share it with others daily. 

I’d like to wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration filled with love, joy, peace, and the overwhelming goodness of God. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

The Biblical Basis for Gratitude

What's the first thing your parents taught you to say? For many of us, it was probably "thank you!" Those two simple words get drilled into us almost from the moment we begin to speak. While good manners are essential, biblical gratitude goes deeper than polite phrases. It's actually a powerful force that can transform our relationship with God and shape our entire perspective on life. 

We’re just starting the month of November, which ends with Thanksgiving in the US. Thanksgiving is a federal holiday where we stop to offer gratitude to God for a successful harvest and all His many blessings throughout the year. Traditionally, the holiday’s been marked as a time to gather with family and friends. They share a meal that may include turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. However, today’s meal may contain any food you’d like! 

The practice of Thanksgiving started in the early 17th century when the Pilgrims shared their Thanksgiving dinner with the Wampanoag people. Since then, Thanksgiving has evolved into a day to be thankful for the many blessings in our lives. The holiday is celebrated in the US on the fourth Thursday in November. Canada celebrates its Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October.

In this post, we'll take a look at the biblical foundation of thanksgiving and how to express our thanks to God. 

The Biblical Art of Thanks

The Bible mentions gratitude and thanksgiving hundreds of times. This isn’t only a casual “thanks for the coffee.” We’re talking about deep, life-changing gratitude that is expressed in many types of situations. 

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for thanksgiving, "todah," is packed with meaning. It's not only about saying "thanks"—it's acknowledging God's character, celebrating His faithfulness, and recognizing our dependence on Him. When David wrote, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJV), he was inviting people into a lifestyle of grateful worship. 

The New Testament takes it even further. The Greek word "eucharisteo" (where the word "Eucharist" comes from) is found all through the Scriptures. It's often used in the most unexpected situations. For instance, Paul writes thank you notes from prison, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…" (Philippians 1:3 NKJV). Jesus gives thanks before feeding the five thousand. He did this when diving the five loaves and fishes. (Mark 6:41). These examples go beyond good manners—they're radical acts of faith. 

More Than Good Manners

It's easy to be thankful when everything's going great—you have a new job, and the weather's perfect—praise God! But true biblical, faithful gratitude goes much deeper than this. 

Consider Job—the one who lost everything and was tormented by bad advice from his friends. Even in the midst of total disaster, he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21 NKJV). That's not being polite—it's a profound trust in God's character. 

Let's take a look at Paul and Silas. They were singing hymns of thanksgiving in a prison cell at midnight! (Acts 16:25). They weren't thanking God for the chains but expressing a deeper gratitude that transcended their circumstances. 

Sciences Agrees with Biblical Gratitude

Modern science has finally caught up with the Bible. Research shows that practicing gratitude can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, strengthen relationships, and increase overall happiness. Isn’t it amazing that God’s ancient wisdom is exactly what we need? 

When Paul said, “...in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV), he was giving us a prescription for our well-being. King David also understood this concept when he wrote, “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works”(Psalm 9:1). 

Why Does Gratitude Change Everything? 

Biblical gratitude is transformative because of it: 

1. Shifts our focus to God: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).

2. Builds our faith: “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember Your wonders of old.” (Psalm 77:11 NKJV).

3. Changes our perspective: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” (James 1:2 NKJV).

4. Strengthens our relationships: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NKJV)

The Heart of the Matter

Here’s what makes biblical gratitude so powerful: it’s not about denying reality or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s all about recognizing God’s presence and goodness in every situation. It’s choosing to trust that, as Romans 8:28 NKJV promises, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 

When we understand this, gratitude becomes more than a response to blessings. It becomes a weapon against discouragement, a shield against bitterness, and a door to deeper joy. As David wrote, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7 NKJV).

Your Gratitude Journey

As we start this month focusing on gratitude, I’d like to challenge you to go beyond only saying “thank you.” Start noticing God’s fingerprints in your daily life. Look for reasons to be thankful in unexpected places. Share your gratitude with others. 

Remember, developing biblical gratitude is like building a muscle—it gets stronger with practice. Some days, it comes naturally, while on other days, it will be a choice. Even so, as you develop this habit, you'll find what countless believers throughout history have found: a grateful heart is a gateway to experiencing God's presence in powerful new ways. 

Why not start right now? Take a moment to thank God for something specific. It could transform your perspective. 

To help you on your gratitude journey this month, I've created a November Gratitude Prompt Journal! It's free and can be found in our Gumroad shop. The journal features a calendar linked to a short devotional for each day. Each day's devotion includes a prompt question and a place to write what you're thankful for. 

Visit Our Gumroad Shop for Your Free Digital Journal! 

At the end of the month, you can find instructions for reflecting on your gratitude journey. The prompt journal can be printed out or used in a PDF annotation app, such as Goodnotes, Xodo, or others. Check it out! Moreover, it's free; however, any donations are much appreciated! 

Remember—gratitude isn’t just about being polite—it’s about experiencing God’s goodness in fresh ways every new day. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!