These days, I’ve noticed that many young people struggle to be thankful. A lot of people are upset, tired, and always complaining.
I get it. There are so many reasons to feel frustrated or even sad, especially if you live where I am. But there is something important that never changes:
God will always be God. Nothing will ever change that. You can be angry, ignore Him, or even say you don’t believe in Him, but He is still God and will always be God forever.
So the wisest thing you can do is to stay close to the One who made the world, the One who created you, and who knows everything from start to finish.
But knowing about God isn’t enough. Almost everyone believes there is a God somewhere. What matters is truly trusting that He knows what He’s doing with your life.
No one understands you better than God—not even you. Some people might say this sounds like preaching. Maybe it does. But the truth is, if you want your life to have real meaning, you must have a personal connection with God.
The devil doesn’t have real joy to offer. Money or things can make you happy only for a short time. Even marriage or dating can become disappointing if God isn’t part of it.
So why am I saying this? Because I want to encourage you as a single person: always be thankful. If you’re still unmarried at 35 or 40, it doesn’t mean God has forgotten you. He’s not some delivery service that gives you everything you want right when you ask. You were created for His purpose.
You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.Revelation 4:11 (NLT)
You keep asking God for things, but have you stopped to ask what He wants from you? You dream about loving your future husband or wife. Well, you should first learn how to build that kind of loving relationship with God. My pastor used to say the most romantic people are those who spend time in the book of Romans. It sounds funny, but it’s true.
For in him we live and move and exist.Acts 17:28 (NLT)
Don’t let ingratitude steal tomorrow’s joy. Focus on what really matters. Stay close to the Holy Spirit.Remember, God doesn’t owe you anything, so let’s not act like He does.
Everyone is looking for where the grass is greener. And subtly, somewhere in our minds, we keep our eyes on other people’s lands. But remember the 10th commandment?
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Exodus 20:17 [KJV]
It’s easy to look at other relationships and think they have it better. Whether single or married, the temptation to keep looking at other people’s lives, believing that something “better” is out there, can creep in. But the truth actually is:
The grass isn’t greener on the other side; it’s greener where you water it.
For singles, social media can make it seem like everyone else is in a perfect relationship, while you wait. And you may start thinking, “Am I a spoon?” But don’t let comparison push you into desperation. Rushing into the wrong relationship because you feel left out can lead to heartbreak. Instead of searching desperately for the “greener grass” of a change of relationship status, focus on making yourself greener—growing yourself emotionally, spiritually, and mentally—so that when the right person comes, you’re ready.
For married couples, it’s easy to become dissatisfied when you start noticing flaws in your spouse. The excitement of the early days fades, and you might be tempted to think, “Maybe I married the wrong person.” Or worse still, you look at another marriage and begin to fall in love with another person’s spouse. But remember, we don’t fall in love like that, rather we fall in alignment with the angel of our destiny. (Laughs)
Every great marriage you admire was built—not found. Instead of looking outside, invest in what you already have. Communicate, forgive, appreciate, and keep nurturing your love.
Dear couples, let me even add another thought for you to ponder: the grass always looks greener on the other side until you come close. That person you’re now lusting after, whether subtly or overtly, has flaws too—maybe even greater than those of your spouse. The difference is that you’re close to your spouse but far from the person—so you see all your spouse’s flaws and not one of the other person’s. It’s easy to admire a person from afar, but when you come close, you find that there are flaws.
Listen, don’t destroy your marriage thinking the grass is greener elsewhere. Fight that distraction destroying your marriage. Stop looking at another man or woman. Focus on your spouse. Stop comparing. Focus on your marriage. Make it work.
Finally, dear singles and married, the devil thrives on making us believe that joy is always somewhere else. But true fulfillment comes from gratitude, contentment, and commitment. So, be grateful and content with where you are and what you have. And learn to water the grass in front of you—that’s where the greener grass is.
God’s love for us is unconditional and immeasurable, yet it calls for a response. It is not just a gift to be received, but a call to action and a challenge to respond in a way that reflects His love.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Imagine the pain of loving someone deeply and passionately, only to have that love ignored or rejected. That’s the heartache God experiences when we fail to respond to His love. His sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just an act of mercy but an invitation to engage in a transformative relationship with Him.
How do we respond to such an overwhelming love?
1. By Leading a Life of Obedience
Loving God starts with obedience. Jesus says in
John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.
Obedience reflects our intimate relationship with God. When we know Him deeply, we wouldn’t want to hurt Him. On the contrary, disobedience reveals a lack of closeness. Loving God is more than just avoiding sin. It means living according to His will and reflecting His heart in our everyday actions.
2. By Honoring Him With Our Substance
Honor goes beyond words; it shows in how we give and prioritize God. Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us to honor God with our wealth. Honoring God encompasses all areas of life, not just about money. Your time, talents, and resources should reflect your value for God. Honoring God also means respecting the spiritual leaders He has placed in your life (2 Chronicles 20:20).
3. By Glorifying Him Through Fruitfulness
God calls us to be fruitful.
John 15:8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Fruitfulness is more than achievements; it’s living a life that points others to God. Our actions, character, and choices should bring Him glory, showing the world that we are His disciples.
Understanding how to respond to God’s love changes everything about us, including how we navigate relationships, whether single or married. We must not just acknowledge His love. We must live in a way that shows we have been changed by it.
Take a moment to reflect on how you are responding to His love today!
Does God celebrate because of us? Yes, I think He does.
You mean God will sing, dance, and rejoice over us? Yes, I think so. Why would I say that? Because His word says so!
Let’s dive!
Zep 3:17 (CEV) The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.
Wow! This will be exciting!
This is exciting because when this happens, I won’t have to pray for anything anymore! All I need to do is praise God because He will keep answering my prayers and doing a lot for me in accordance with His purpose for my life because He is thrilled about me!
Here is another scripture because every truth is established in the presence of two or more scriptures.
Psa 149:4 (CEV) The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble.
The Lord can be pleased with His people! Isn’t that amazing?
If the Lord can be pleased, it means He can also be displeased!
So, what are those things that can displease God?
Pro 11:20 (MSG) GOD can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.
Isn’t that clear enough?
Are there any other things that He dislikes? I need to know those so that I can avoid them.
Pro 6:16-19 (GW) There are six things that the LORD hates, even seven that are disgusting to him: [17] arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, [18] a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, [19] a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives.
So, we now know what displeases Him.
But what pleases Him? What will cause Him to rejoice over me? I need to know!
Jhn 15:8 (KJV) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Wow! That’s what excites God! Bearing fruit, reaching out to lives, discipling others, influencing those in your sphere of influence, and sharing the message of Jesus with people, helping them establish their faith.
So, make up your mind to start doing the exact things that make God happy and completely avoid the things that displease Him!
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.
