Gratitude for the New Year (by Cathe Laurie)

“And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20 NLT).

Over the last few months, I have been overwhelmed with gratitude.

Gratitude for my family. Gratitude for my friends. Gratitude for my work. Gratitude for every single person who has partnered with us in ministry.

Overwhelming, abundant gratitude.

While we look at the new year and all the “new” things it can bring us and the changes we want to make, it’s crucial we also look at what we do have with overwhelming, abundant gratitude.

If not for God’s provision and the people He’s brought into our lives, Greg and I would never be able to run the ministry we do. We may not have even gotten started if not for the connections we had and the incredible teachers and mentors we have had over the years.

Without the Lord’s goodness, I don’t know where we would be or what we would be doing.

As we look at our lists for this year and what we want to accomplish, let’s not forget the other side of the list: gratitude that those dreams and goals are even possible.

No matter your situation, the fact that we can even believe and dream and have faith for the future is a blessing! The people who surround us and support us are a blessing. The ability to live another day with hope for a beautiful eternity is a blessing. The promise we have in our risen Savior is a blessing beyond belief!

Let’s look back at 2024 and see how the Lord has provided. Let’s reflect on the first few weeks of 2025 and see how He’s guided and directed us. Let’s approach God with thanksgiving and praise and ask Him to open our eyes to all that He’s done that we may not even realize.

No matter what, He is always with us. And that’s a blessing in and of itself!

I am a list-maker, and I think writing down your thoughts helps make them a reality. Maybe we can start this year with a list of gratitude—of blessings, protection, and resources that the Lord has provided to get us where we are today.

Whether it’s in prayer, worship, studying the Word, reflection, or all of the above. . . start your day with gratitude. Start your year with gratitude. Reflect on all the Lord has done and how much He’s still doing for you.

You are His, you are loved, and you are on your way to great things!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1 NLT).

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.