I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:2 (NIV)
As the year draws to an end, you’re probably reflecting on the past 12 months. It’s a good time of year for reminiscing and reflecting, as long as those mind activities don’t lead you down the path of regrets and guilt. Hey, we’ve all made mistakes this year. Yes, even Christians occasionally do things that displease the Lord, but don’t let those mistakes haunt your holidays. If you’ve repented for those misdeeds, God has already forgiven them and forgotten them. So, you need to do the same. God says in His Word that He has removed your sin as far as the east is from the west—that’s a long way!
Instead of feeling guilty or regretful over past mistakes, instead of worrying about provision or how you’ll make it through the year. Take this time to think on the good things that God did through you and in you this year. Think on all of the miracles He performed on behalf of you and your family. Rejoice over the goals that He helped you accomplish in both your personal and professional life. If you keep a journal, take a few minutes to read through it, and like the worship song says, “Look what the Lord has done!” Praise God for the victories—both big and small. That’s what David did—he rehearsed the victories in his life and that “rehearsing” encouraged him to believe for even greater victories in the future.
How about you? Are you believing God for even greater victories in 2011? If not, you should be. Begin to praise Him today for all that He has done and all that He is going to do next year. Jeremiah tells us that He has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. So, praise Him for that good plan today! Don’t spend these last few days of 2010 just reminiscing about the past; spend it rehearsing the victories. That’s the way to close out one year and begin another. Now, let me be the first to wish you a “Happy New Year!” It’s going to be a good one!
Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and the author of more than 40 books, including her recent children’s title, How Much Does God Love You? (Ideals Children’s Books). She is also a highly sought-after speaker at writers’ conferences, women’s retreats, and churches, using her message of hope and humor to encourage others. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two teenage daughters, Abby and Ally. The Adams family resides in Southern Indiana where they cheer on the Bedford North Lawrence Stars, the Indiana University Hoosiers and the Indianapolis Colts. www.michellemedlockadams.com Read Michelle’s devotions