CULTIVATING GRATITUDE TOWARD GOD

Today is the second day of the final month of 2024. Can we all agree that this year has flown by in what feels like the blink of an eye? Take a moment to reflect: where were you, and what were you doing as we welcomed the new year? Many of us entered 2024 with grand plans and high hopes, only to have life’s unexpected twists and turns alter our course. Yet, even during setbacks and detours, every moment has carried its purpose. As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter, let us embrace the lessons, the growth, and the grace that have shaped us along the way.

No matter how your year is ending, there is one thing we can all do—be grateful. Grateful to God for the gift of another year, for the lessons learned, and for the opportunity to see the close of one chapter and the dawn of a new one.

Today I want us to focus on a single word: gratitude. Merriam-Webster defines it as “the state of being grateful.” Let's consider this word for a moment: a state. It is not a momentary feeling or something we practice once a year, like Thanksgiving. Sincere gratitude is a constant and continuous attitude of thankfulness that follows us everywhere, every hour, every minute and every second.

So how can we cultivate a constant attitude of gratitude toward God as we reflect on the past year? Here are several key practices:    

1. Remember His Faithfulness in Trials

Reflect on the storms you have weathered and situations you thought would overpower you. Each one is a reminder of God’s sustaining grace and His ability to carry you through even the darkest moments.

     2. Acknowledge the Unseen Battles

Consider the secret struggles only God knows about. Whether it was fear, doubt, or personal challenges, His presence in those hidden moments proves His intimate care for every detail of your life.

     3. Celebrate Growth Through Challenges

Trials are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth. Thank God for the strength, wisdom, and resilience you have gained along the way.

4. Focus on His Provision and Protection

From daily needs to unexpected blessings, God’s provision is constant. Take time to recognize how He has met your needs and protected you throughout the year.

By regularly reflecting on these truths, we can cultivate a heart that stays grateful, trusting that God’s grace will continue to sustain us in the seasons to come.

Gratitude calls us to recognize not only the victories but also the strength, growth, and wisdom that come through life’s struggles. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have gained, even in the hardest moments. Let us commit to living in this state of gratitude, continually thanking God for His unwavering faithfulness—even in the unseen, quiet places where His grace sustains us.