Every start of a new year is a great time to look back on the past year and to look forward to the new. It’s easy to notice the bad things that happened, but that might make it difficult to move forward in life, especially if we keep looking back.
The Believers Instruction Book: Living Edition (Bible) says to fix our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. We should think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. This is a great instruction to practice throughout the year and will help in our spiritual growth.
A lot happened last year. My dad had a stroke. My husband finished his radiation therapy and then had cancer surgery. My daughter was fired from work. And that is just my immediate family. I am so glad that I had so many people praying for me and my family through it all.
I could dwell on those truths but they are not lovely thoughts. I would rather think about the fact that my dad was able to go home from the rehab center and is now eating without a feeding tube and using a cane instead of a wheelchair. Now he is working on getting his right arm and hand to function normally.
My thoughts go to the fact that all the scans after the surgery showed no sign of cancer, so we’re moving forward cancer free but not letting the cancer experience go to waste. The fact that my daughter is now working her dream job is worthy of praising God for. Thinking of all the blessings we received last year makes me look forward to what He has in store for us this year.
Thinking good thoughts triggers good feelings, which leads to action to move forward. Here’s to thinking good thoughts so that we have a great 2024!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being there for us throughout the year. Help us notice your presence and appreciate what you do for us. May our thoughts and actions be pleasing to You and glorify You.
In Your Son’s name, Amen.
Verses
Philippians 4:8
Proverbs 4:23
Song
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then make a list of all the good that has happened last year and praise God for them. Make a list of what would make this year an exceptional year. Pray about how you can do your part to make it happen, and then create a plan to make it happen.