In just a very few days will be welcoming in a new year 2024. I would like to pause for a moment to look back and reflect on this year.
This year was surely a year to remember.
The Ukraine/Russian war was still raging.
New flare ups of Covid-19 hit the country.
The Republicans took control of the House… The newly elected speaker then ousted a few months later. Another leader elected.
Turkey-Syria Earthquake – Death toll of over 16,000.
Deadly fires. Hawaiian wildfires, western states and the Canadian fires burn over 18 million hectares of land and homes.
Famous deaths in 2023 – Lisa Marie Presley, Henry Kissinger, Steve Harwell, Paul Reubens, Jimmy Buffett, Raquel Welch, Jerry Springer, Harry Belafonte,
Israel-Gaza war – Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel starts the war.
Titan submersible sinks while trying to visit the Titanic shipwreck.
President Trump Gets Indicted by Manhattan Grand Jury.
Labor Disputes in auto manufacturing and Hollywood writers.
Let’s not forget about the balloon from China, inflation, gas and food prices, and all of the sporting events and champions. This is just a few… of the many.
I was listening to a song the other day thinking about what has gone on this year. Even through all these trials and hardships, God has continued to bless and take care of his people. This song was composed in 1897 by Johnson Oatman, Jr. titled “ Count Your Blessing.”
All too often, in this great land of America, we seem to lapse into a state of ingratitude, taking for granted all of the blessings and comforts we enjoy. Yes, this has been a hard and trying year for many of us, but we have survived! Our lives have surely changed, we can thank God that we are still alive and breathing. There’s so much we can thank God for… just think about what He has done for you. We need to guard that we don’t revert into an attitude of self-satisfaction, expecting that peace and bliss will always follow us. During those times we should, with sincerity of heart, count our blessings!
Below are the lyrics to the song “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman, Jr. Please take a moment read and think about them.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. (Refrain)
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. (Refrain)
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. (Refrain)
God wants you to have a great year in 2024. He promises us help and guidance. If you believe in God as your Savior… ALL things will work out for good! Romans 8:28 tells us “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” He didn’t say some things but ALL things.
The second part of the verse says to those who love God. So, here’s my question to you. Do you love God? Do you have fellowship, a relationship with God?
If Not, Now is the time to find your fellowship with God! All you need to do is ask the Lord to come into your life. Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I pray that God’s Love will fill your New Year! There’s no need to worry about the future when God has control of your life!
I pray you have a Blessed and Happy and safe New Year!
If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com.
Thank God for the many blessings you have received. May God Bless and Keep!
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observation. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
