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Glory to God! It’s the last day of 2024, and what an awesome God we serve. His mercy has kept us through thick and thin. Despite all the economic predictions and challenges, you and I are still here. Yes, you may not have received answers to every prayer, but I’m certain you’ve received blessings you didn’t even pray for.

As we prepare to step into 2025 in grand style, I want to encourage you to do just one thing: focus on what God has done. It is that simple. Take a moment to reflect on His goodness in 2024. Shift your focus away from what you think hasn’t been done.

You see, the devil’s strategy is to keep us preoccupied with analyzing our unanswered prayers. The more we dwell on those, the more worried, angry, and even depressed we become.

Psalm 73:2-5 (MSG) But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have it made, who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.

Isn’t it interesting that the wicked seem to have no worries, while we as believers often become experts at worrying? Stop looking the other way. Stop comparing yourself to those who seem to have “made it.” Stop fixating on those who are married or those whose lives seem perfect.

So, what should you do instead?

Psalm 73:17 (MSG) “Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture.”

Enter the sanctuary of God—the sacred place where His presence dwells and worry disappears. Imagine standing in front of God Himself. Would you be thinking about your failed business? Would it matter that you’re still unmarried on the last day of the year? Or would your attention be fixed on Him, knowing that all your worries can end instantly?

Step into God’s sanctuary through praise and prayer. Set your gaze on the Master, and let His presence fill your heart.

Let me give you a reason to be thankful: Do you know that over 62 million people have died globally in 2024 alone? Yet you are not part of that statistic. Isn’t that a good reason to thank God?

Here’s another reason:

Psalm 136:1 (KJV) O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The word “mercy” has many meanings, one of which is God withholding punishment. Imagine what would happen if God withdrew His mercy. You wouldn’t even be reading this article right now! Let’s not forget how many promises we made to God this year and failed to keep. Yet, His mercy remains.

Rather than sulking over what hasn’t been done, why not focus on what has? Reflect on God’s faithfulness, and let gratitude fill your heart.

May God grant you a deeper understanding as you enter this new year. Amen.

What are you most grateful to God for as we wrap up the year? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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