Grateful for 2024: Embracing God's Faithfulness as We Step into 2025
Reflecting on the past year and preparing for 2025 with gratitude and hope
As we close the chapter of 2024 and enter the second quarter of the 21st century, it’s vital to pause and reflect on the blessings, challenges, and lessons this year has brought. Gratitude isn’t just a polite response to good fortune; it’s a transformative attitude that aligns us with God’s will and strengthens us for what lies ahead.
Reflecting on 2024
This year, God led me through many new territories—countries, people, and experiences. I witnessed the full spectrum of human emotions: joy, kindness, empathy, sorrow, stress, greed, pride, helplessness, and hope. Despite language barriers, I saw that the feelings God has instilled in us are universal.
I climbed the mountains of Colombia, sailed the high seas of the Caribbean, traversed the Panama Canal, and hiked through remote regions of Mexico. The cathedrals across Latin America inspired awe, and I was deeply moved by the faith driving people in their daily lives. The kindness and help I received from the people of Latin America were extraordinary.
Through it all, I consistently felt the mighty hand of the Lord guiding me. He went ahead of me, speaking, warning, and even stopping me from venturing into certain places.
On a personal level, He miraculously guided me through significant milestones: securing Mexican residency, completing my Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling, paving the way for my son to attend the University of British Columbia, and granting me an uncontested divorce. Not every step was smooth, but He was with me, ensuring my protection and provision.
The Power of Gratitude
The Bible exhorts us to give thanks in all circumstances.
Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV): "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
This doesn’t mean we are thankful for the hardships themselves but for God’s faithfulness through them. Gratitude shifts our perspective, allowing us to see His hand even in trials.
Biblical Examples of Gratitude
Lot and Abraham
The story of Lot and Abraham in Genesis 13 illustrates the contrasting outcomes of gratitude and self-centeredness. Lot, driven by materialism, chose the fertile plains of Jordan without considering spiritual consequences. He faced severe hardships as a result, including the loss of his possessions and the corruption of his family. Yet, God saved him from destruction because of His mercy.
In contrast, Abraham lived with gratitude and unwavering faith. He obeyed God, trusted His promises, and remained generous and humble. God blessed Abraham abundantly, protecting him, establishing a covenant with him, and making him a blessing to all nations.
Hannah
Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1–2 is another testament to the power of gratitude. Despite years of infertility and despair, when God blessed her with a son, she responded with profound gratitude.
She offered Samuel back to the Lord for His service, praying,
"My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies because I rejoice in Your salvation" (1 Samuel 2:1).
Her gratitude fueled her faith, enabling her to trust God’s sovereignty.
Gratitude for 2024
What prayers did God answer for you this year? What lessons did He teach through trials? Even if the year was marked by difficulty, reflect on how God sustained you. Write these moments down, pray over them, and thank Him.
How Gratitude Prepares Us for 2025
Gratitude transforms our hearts, giving us resilience and hope. Acknowledging what God has done builds a foundation of trust for the future.
As Psalm 136:1 (NKJV) declares:
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."
This enduring mercy assures us that the God who was faithful in 2024 will be faithful in 2025.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Gratitude
Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write three things you’re thankful for each day.
Pray with Thanksgiving: Begin every prayer by thanking God for His blessings.
Share Your Gratitude: Encourage others by sharing how God blessed you this year.
Sing Songs of Praise: Worship through songs that express gratitude to God.
A Final Reflection
As I write this from Pattaya, Thailand, I observe the loneliness of many Western men walking the streets, some accompanied by local women. Loneliness, especially in old age, is deeply painful. Last night, I saw an American man sitting alone at a closed restaurant, eating food he brought himself. I offered him a drink, but he kindly declined. My heart went out to him, and I prayed silently before walking away.
Where do people lose their way?
It begins when they stop fearing the Lord.
Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) reminds us:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
I, too, lost much in life when I was rebellious and disobedient. But when I began to fear the Lord and diligently follow His commandments, He began restoring me. This restoration is a journey—a work in progress.
God is calling you to fulfill His will in your life. If you, like Lot, insist on following your own way, take a moment to examine your relationship with Him. As we step into 2025, begin everything with prayer. Stay obedient and thankful, no matter how difficult the day.
When we practice gratitude consistently, God blesses us—just as He blessed Abraham. Remember, your blessings aren’t behind you; they are ahead.
Trust Him, and He will reveal them to you.
Conclusion
As we step into 2025, let gratitude guide your heart and mind. Reflect on the blessings and lessons of 2024, trusting that the same God who carried you through will continue to sustain you. Gratitude transforms our trials into testimonies and our blessings into bold faith for the future.
In this new year, let us embrace the wisdom of Psalm 118:24 (NKJV):
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Each day is a gift, an opportunity to align our hearts with His will, to serve others, and to live with a spirit of thanksgiving. As you face the challenges and opportunities of 2025, may your gratitude to God be the foundation that strengthens your faith, fuels your hope, and brings His light into every aspect of your life.
Start the year with prayer, continue with obedience, and end with thanksgiving. With Him by your side, 2025 holds the promise of growth, restoration, and blessings beyond measure. Stay thankful, stay faithful, and step boldly into all that He has prepared for you.
I wish you and yours a happy and blessed new year 2025.
God bless you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness throughout 2024—for every blessing, lesson, and moment of grace. As we step into 2025, guide our hearts to remain grateful in all circumstances. Strengthen our faith, renew our hope, and help us walk in obedience to Your will. May our gratitude bring glory to Your name and prepare us for the blessings You have in store. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lawrence Manickam is a servant of the Lord, a Canadian Indian with Mexican permanent residency, living an international life. In July 2024, he completed his Master of Arts (Pastoral Counseling) graduate program at Liberty University, Virginia. Contact him if you need Biblical counseling or prayers.