Reflecting on God's Goodness: A Journey of Gratitude

As we come to the final Sunday of the year, it’s natural to pause and take stock. We reflect on achievements and challenges, on prayers answered—and prayers still waiting. We think about lessons learned, doors opened, and moments where we were simply carried through. This kind of reflection is healthy. But Scripture reminds us to reflect rightly.

A Warning We Still Need to Hear

When Moses spoke to the Israelites, he addressed something deeply human: the tendency to forget God in times of blessing. After years of hardship in the wilderness, the people were about to enter prosperity. Crops would grow. Homes would be built. Life would finally feel stable. And Moses knew the danger—success could quietly rewrite the story in their hearts.

“My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” So Moses lovingly reminded them: every good thing came from the Lord. Their blessings were not earned by perfection or flawless obedience. In many ways, they were blessed in spite of their failures, not because of their strength. God’s faithfulness flowed from His covenant love, not human performance. And we are no different.

The Subtle Drift Toward Self-Credit

It’s easy to say, “I worked hard for this.” And effort does matter. Discipline matters. Faithfulness matters. But Scripture gently re-centres us: the ability to work, the opportunity to succeed, the health to endure, the wisdom to choose well, and the provision to sustain us all come from God. James 1:17 captures this truth clearly:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”

Nothing we hold came from outside His grace.

Let Gratitude Lead the Way

As this year closes, let gratitude lead us—not pride. Let remembrance fuel worship. Every open door. Every provision. Every moment of grace. Every rescue we didn’t even notice at the time. All of it has come from His hand.

The Power of Gratitude

Gratitude has a unique power. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It reminds us of the countless blessings we often overlook. When we practice gratitude, we cultivate a heart that is open and receptive. This practice can transform our perspective and deepen our faith.

THINK ABOUT IT

When we truly recognize how merciful God has been—how often He has carried us, provided for us, and protected us—our natural response is surrender. Gratitude turns into devotion. Remembrance turns into worship. And hearts that acknowledge God’s goodness are drawn to serve Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.

Embracing Community

In our journey of faith, we are not alone. We are part of a community that shares in this experience. Together, we can encourage one another to reflect on God’s goodness. Sharing our stories of gratitude can inspire others and strengthen our bonds. Let’s come together to celebrate the blessings we’ve received and support each other in our spiritual growth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, every good and perfect gift comes from You, and I rejoice in Your great mercy and kindness. Thank You for the many ways You have blessed me and provided for me. I cannot deliver myself, but I trust You for complete freedom through the blood of Jesus, which has cleansed me from the curse of sin and spiritual death.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Moving Forward with Hope

As we step into a new year, let us carry this spirit of gratitude with us. Let’s commit to recognising God’s hand in our lives daily. Each moment is an opportunity to acknowledge His goodness. Let’s be intentional about sharing our blessings with others. Together, we can create a ripple effect of gratitude and hope in our communities.

Conclusion: A New Beginning

In closing, as we reflect on the past year, let’s embrace the new beginnings that await us. With hearts full of gratitude, we can face the future with hope and confidence. Remember, every good thing comes from God. Let’s celebrate His faithfulness and look forward to the blessings yet to come.

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