Text: Psalms 136:1 NKJV
Further Reading: Psalms 136:1-9
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 136:1 NKJV
MESSAGE
There is no better way to start a new year than giving thanks to God for everything He has done. People who live in developed nations may trivialize thanking God for basic things like food, water, security, sleeping and waking up, and many other things like that. But we who live in nations where there is no security, where food is hard to get for so many, where many sleep and never wake up knows the importance of Thanksgiving.
On a day like this when many people are celebrating, eating, and dancing, you as a Christian must take a deep breath and begin to thank the Lord. Except the Lord had watched over you in the past year, no amount of personal security could do it. The numerous journey that you took and did not claim your life is enough to give thanks (Psalms 127:1)
Looking back on the past year, you know that God deserves the praise. But looking forward we can praise Him in anticipation of the greater things He would do for us. That is why our text and reading of the day says that you should give thanks to God because He is good and His mercy endures forever.
Instead of making a long list of things you want God to do for you this year, simply thank Him over them. It is the best approach to winning. Let me share with you a familiar story in 2 Chronicles 20. When the enemies came against Jehoshaphat and the people praised God, God gave them instant victory. What was their praise?
“Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” II Chronicles 20:21 NKJV
That was enough for God to give them victory. Instead of complaints and grumbling, enter into His gate this year with Thanksgiving and into His court with praise, sing praise unto our God, and bless His name (Psalms 100:4).
This is your battle strategy for the year. It is a victory strategy, complain doesn’t win battles, grumbling and murmuring don’t either, it is praise.
REFLECTION
But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Psalms 22:3 NKJV
God delights in the praise of His people. Whenever praise goes up, blessings come down. Stop using strategies that don’t work – rather praise God this year. If you start this year with thanksgiving, you will experience God in an unusual way.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for everything you did for me last year, thank you for all you will do this year in Jesus’ Name.
