“Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.”

Psalms 97:12

This time of year is a season where we will be reflecting on the past year and all that we are thankful for as well as looking ahead to what the next could hold. It’s a great time to do exactly as this verse states: give thanks at remembrance. In the past month, I’ve noticed God cultivating in me a heart of thankfulness through reflection.

I’ve reflected on how He has brought along desires and answered prayers; gratitude and awe fills my heart. Hope that seemed deferred has been fulfilled and it’s a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12) to my faith, a thing I can continually point to as reference of His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Thank you, Jesus!

I’ve reflected on healing — the difference of where I was just a year ago versus today. The way the hope I thought was gone forever has been re-established. Faith restored. He makes us new.

Thank you, Jesus!

I’ve reflected on how I used to be so fearful of things that today I’m doing on the regular. The growth that is evident. The growth that is still happening. He strengthens and establishes.

Thank you, Jesus!

I’ve reflected on His provision; how He always supplies my every need. I could be stressed out and worried one moment and later find He made a way and has worked it out. He is a way maker and a miracle worker.

Thank you, Jesus!

Each notice to His goodness, kindness, and faithfulness creates a song in my heart.

His gentle, steady hand in it all. His timing perfect. Delays used for my good. He has always been so good to me — in everything! The only obvious thing to do is give thanks.

And when I take that moment to let thankfulness be in my heart, it shifts the atmosphere. I may, for a moment, be focused on lack, dwelling on past hurts, worried, or fearful but then He brings something to my remembrance of how far we’ve come — thanksgiving and praise breaks forth! My mind and my heart then steer toward Him and looks ahead with expectancy for all the ways He will do it again in the future.

I remember His name is Faithful and True (Revelation 3:14, 19:11)!

My hope and encouragement to you all is that you find Him far more faithful and true than you realize this season; that in reflection of this year or even years past your heart can sing a spiritual song to the Lord. A song where you see how all the pieces are fitting together. Especially for those who may have lost their song this past year. May you find that hope deferred, when the desire comes, is a tree of life. That disappointments bring us closer to Him and His good plan for us. That waiting isn’t punishment but preparation. That healing or breakthrough can happen suddenly. That He meets us right where we are. That He works all things for good. That nothing is too hard for Him. That His promises are “yes and amen”. That His timing is perfect. And that He has not forgotten you. The journey and process of His faithfulness varies for us all but the result is the same: THANKFULNESS. Praise. Glory to God. A hallelujah on our lips…and in our hearts.

Reflect upon His past goodness and faithfulness this season, upon all He has done. Let your faith be stirred. Rejoice and give thanks in remembrance to His holy name!