Tuesday, January 3, 2023

When you reflect upon 2022, what do you think of? During times of reflection, many different feelings may arise. For some of us, this year was a year of trials—a year that we faced mountains or experienced hurt. For others, 2022 was full of joy and excitement.

No matter what season we are in, God brings us blessings, both seen and unseen. Although each year has its ups and downs, there is always something to celebrate.

For me, 2022 was a year of refinement. Although there were times of sorrow, there were also times of rejoicing and giving thanks. In this time of reflection, I realize just how much God has worked in my life this past year. He brought some of my greatest blessings from my deepest aches.

He blessed me with life-giving relationships, led me to graduate from college, and helped mature my faith. Even when I didn’t realize it, God was working behind the scenes in my life to set the stage for so many things to celebrate.

Psalm 107:21-22
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.”

There are so many things to celebrate each year! We can celebrate the big things, such as the beginning of life-giving relationships, graduating college, or a big job promotion. However, we do not have to have undergone a life-changing experience to celebrate and give thanks to God. We can celebrate the kindness of a stranger, the forming of a new friendship, and how God provides for our daily needs.

Even if 2022 was a year of trials and tribulations, there is always one thing that we can celebrate—the greatest gift of all! We can celebrate who God is, how he has walked with us through the highs and lows of our lives, and his tremendous love and grace for all of us.

It is so easy for us to get caught going through the motions of daily life that we forget how much there is to be thankful for. As we begin the new year, let us step into it knowing that God is always with us and he has wonderful plans for every one of us.

James 1:17
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Questions:
What did you celebrate in 2022?

How can we strengthen our “gratitude muscle” and thank God for his blessings?

Next Steps:
Begin a gratitude journal by writing down 3 things you are thankful for each week.

Participate in the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, and listen to where God is leading you.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for walking alongside us throughout 2022. We praise you for every blessing and gift that you give to us. Please guide us as we begin a new year. Remind us to pay attention to each blessing that you give us and to celebrate life in every season. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This post was written by Isabelle Billnitzer. Isabelle is a regular attender of CedarCreek and serves in the children’s ministry. She is passionate about writing and loves spending time with her family and friends. Her goal is to show people the love of Jesus Christ.