Looking Back on the Year with Gratitude
Your Nightly Prayer
By Kristine Brown
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
SOMETHING TO PONDER
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is one of my favorite weeks of the year, when the excitement and activity of the season begins to calm. Quietness settles in, and we’re left with a few days of downtime before the calendar page turns. I’ve found it’s the perfect time for praying, hoping, and anticipating what’s to come in the year ahead. But this year, I discovered another reason to love this week. It also provides an opportunity for us, as Christ followers, to look back on the last year with gratitude, even in the hard parts.
It doesn’t seem that long ago that I rolled into January with my usual enthusiasm, planning for all the wonderful things. Weddings, graduations, and more filled my desk calendar pages, and I looked forward to each event. But then, the unthinkable happened. Just a couple of weeks into the new year, a cancer diagnosis changed everything. The next 12 months would take their toll in a way I cannot explain. I recall a whirlwind of questions: Would I still be able to experience all the wonderful things? Or would this hard season take away the blessings of the days to come?
Uncertainty can cast a dark cloud over us when we face difficult circumstances. In those times, it may be hard to find reasons to be thankful, but that’s exactly what our merciful God calls us to do.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, the apostle Paul gave instructions to his fellow believers that served as a guide for them in their spiritual growth. Paul emphasized the importance of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. Not only when things were going well, but all the time.
Paul understood firsthand the power and importance of gratitude. A grateful heart ushers in peace, joy, and an abundance of good things. Even though it can be challenging to choose a spirit of thanksgiving in the midst of trials, taking time to reflect on God’s goodness in hard times strengthens our faith and renews our hope for the future.
Let’s set aside time this week to rejoice in God’s present goodness, pray for what’s to come, and give thanks for all God has brought us through this past year. As we come to him with grateful hearts, we can trust that he is with us in every circumstance. Let’s pray.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear God,
Thank you for the past year. It wasn’t easy, but I know that you were with me through it all. So, I choose to be grateful in every circumstance—not only the good days, but through the difficult days, too. Because when I face the hardest seasons of life, I know you are working on my behalf. Lord, as I look back, I can see how you provided for me in ways beyond what I could hope for. You brought me comfort, peace, and strength in my weariness. I rejoice and give thanks for who you are in my life—my Healer, Provider, and Good Father. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Let’s turn to the passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as inspiration tonight, taking time to reflect on rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. What is one thing from this past year you’d like to thank God for?
2. Think about why it is God’s will for us to be thankful. What is one benefit of showing God our gratitude?
3. In the next few moments, reflect on a difficult time where you can now see God’s faithfulness. Allow his peace and love to saturate your heart and bring a calm reassurance that he was with you then, and he is with you right now.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ Piotr Wójcik
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