OUR PRIORITY IN LIFE
December 30, 2024THE LORD IS THE SAME, EVEN IN 2025!!!
January 1, 2025Today is, 31st December, the last day of the year. It is a special day. However, not everyone wishes to spend the last day of the calendar year the same way.
– Some wish to party away the night, so that they can welcome, in “high spirits” the New Year.
– Some wish to ring in the New Year, by reflecting on the year, gone by.
– Some are happy that the old year is gone, and a new one is coming in.
– Some are sad and scared that, worst things are coming their way, in the New Year.
– For some, it could just another day, nothing special about it – life goes on.
What is our view of the last day of the year? How do we wish to approach it?
I think, we should approach the year-end, with an honest reflection of the year gone by. Should reflect on all that was good about it. Have to check, where we went wrong. Look to rectify the errors, and multiply the good.
– Firstly, and most important of all, let us remember to thank God for His innumerable blessings, with a grateful heart, and also seek His forgiveness, for the wrongs done.
– Secondly, let us remember to thank all who have contributed for our good, and stood with us, in times of need and trouble.
– Thirdly, we must remember all who have caused us hurt, and tried to harm us – not to retaliate, but to thank God for them too…for they taught us some very invaluable lessons.
Let, grateful thanksgiving, be the theme of our time of reflections, on 31st December of this year, and every year. The Word of God encourages us to be thankful and grateful, always.
– “1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.” – Psalm 113:1
– “8 Oh, Give Thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 9 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! 10 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! 11 Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! 12 Remember His marvellous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,” – 1 Chronicles 16:8-13
The Bible has some suggestions for us, regarding praising and thanking God for all His goodness. Let us look at some for our meditation.
FOR EVERMORE
– “2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.” – Psalm 113:2
FROM THE SUNRISE TO SUNSET
– “3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.” – Psalm 113:3
IN EVERYTHING
– “18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
AT ALL TIMES – CONTINUALLY
– ” 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1
IT IS GOOD
– “1 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; 2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night,” – Psalm 92:1-2
FOR BEING ALIVE
– “6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” – Psalm 150:6
EVEN WHEN THINGS GO BAD
– “17 Though the fig tree does not blossom And there is no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive fails And the fields produce no food, Though the flock is cut off from the fold And there are no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! 19 The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility].” – Habakkuk 3:17-19
May we honestly and gratefully reflect on this unique day, where the old year is almost gone, and the new year is on the horizon. May the LORD help us to be always grateful and thankful for all we have received from His merciful hands. Even so, the LORD help us.
