As the year closes out in one month, we have a tendency to look back on our past achievements, failures and the many plans we have made at the beginning of the year. Some of us may look back with feelings of regret, some may look back in disappointment and some may look back with a feeling of nostalgia. We may encounter feelings of some sort as we reminisce on the events of this year, but what is important is that we do not allow what we have accomplished or failed to accomplish, determine our thankfulness in this season. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when many people struggle with feelings of depression and abandonment for various reasons. Rest assure that no matter where you are on your journey to success, healing or accomplishments, God is working behind the scenes to make it happen. We must be confident that God is carrying us in the moments when we feel like he is not there. He is closer than the air we breathe.

I challenge you, to forget the undesirables and press toward the prize of the high calling in Christ. Join in praise and thanksgiving for His goodness despite all the should haves, could haves and would haves this year. Thank him for all the “I have”. There are many reasons to praise God. Just find one reason to give him praise. You are alive, aren’t you? Start there. Praise him for his wonderful acts, praise him for hope in Jesus Christ. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  (Psalm 150:6).

God has not forgotten about you. He knows the purpose he has created you for and he knows where you need to go and how to get you there (Jer. 29:11). He has seen your labor of love, your toil, your pain, your confusion, your hurt, your disappointments, your failures, your good and your bad moments but none of these things move him or takes him by surprise. He is God and he is well able to accomplish what concerns you. According to Galatians 6:7-10 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Instead of giving up, keep on doing good, keep on walking toward your goal, keep on trusting God and doing what he tells you. Be not deceived God is not blind and he will reward you in due season.

Be encouraged to praise him, this season. Let his praise continually be in your mouth. Praise him in all things and for all things. Where ever you are right now, please have a thankful heart, don’t wait for something to happen, praise him like something has already happened, because it has. Praise God for being so good to you.

1Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Chronicles 16: 8
Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

Psalm 7:17
I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high.

Eph. 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

List 5 things you are thankful for, the things that we might take for granted, others wish they could have it.

Advancing the Kingdom of God in the earth!