It’s the start of a New Year! Are you hoping your life to be better in 2020 than it was in 2019?

When a difficult and challenging year ends, it is all too easy to remember what one has endured.  Phrases like, “I’m glad this year is over,” as well as, “I hope this New Year is a lot better,” are common.

Yes indeed, starting a New Year with anticipation for a better year is a good idea.  Writing down goals or resolutions along with an action plan for the coming New Year is a good, positive strategy for the days ahead. Reviewing them throughout the year keeps one focused and on track, especially if the past year was challenging or difficult.

What About The Blessings Of This Past Year?

In everyone’s life there are challenges.  Some years we face more than usual. But has there ever been a year with no challenges, no setbacks, or no difficulties?  Of course not. It’s just part of life.

But regardless of any and all challenges, taking a little time to write down some of the blessings from God this past year can not only be be very encouraging, but very helpful in the New Year ahead. Here’s why.

The Bible says,  “As a man thinks in his heart so is he;”  “Guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.”

The more you remind yourself of His grace in your life, reminding yourself of His blessings, His help, His goodness toward you –  that builds confidence and trust in Him.

You can go to God with your requests and petitions with greater expectations because you remember what He has already done for you, and your trust in His help grows.  

And, even more importantly, God gets the recognition He so deserves. We thank Him, remembering what He did for us, and we give Him the credit for the blessings in our lives.  And, again, as we do this, our confidence in His help in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead continues to grow.

Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.  

When we thank God, we magnify Him, we we recognize His greatness, and give Him the thanks and appreciation He deserves.  And in doing that, we remind ourselves of His care, His grace and His help. 

If all we ever think and talk about are our troubles, our mind stays fixed on the sad parts of life.  And what we stay focused on, because of the way our minds are designed, that’s what our minds will look for.

On the other hand, when our minds stay fixed on His blessings, His goodness, and His help and care, we will be looking for and expecting His blessings.  The more we think that way, the more we are reminded of His goodness. 

God does not bring us troubles and tragedies – God, because of His love, His grace, and His mercy, brings us blessings. 

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

God wants us to let His peace rule in our hearts – He says, “Be thankful.”  Reminding yourself of His blessings brings peace to your heart.

Philippians 4:6 & 7
Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God does not want us to be anxious or stressed. So we go to Him with our requests, with thanksgiving – remembering what He has already done for us.  And as a result, God’s peace will guard our hearts.

Take some time as this New Year begins and write down some of His blessings from 2019.  Let them be a reminder to you that God is still on the throne.

And as this year unfolds, jot down His blessings to you as they happen.

God is still able to do exceeding abundantly above all we as or think. He is still able to make all grace abound toward you, that you always have all sufficiency in all things.  

Have a happy and blessed New Year!

Psalm 103:2
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.