It’s the first day of 2025—a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. Life can be chaotic, especially during the festive season, but don’t let the busyness overshadow the opportunity to thank God for His countless benefits.
The word “benefit” reminds us of kindness, help, and advantages, and God has lavished these abundantly in our lives. Yet, how easily do we forget? Psalm 103:2 serves as a timely reminder:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” – Psalm 103:2 NIV
Gratitude in the Chaos
When life is “lifeing” hard, gratitude can feel like a stretch. But one practice has transformed my perspective: writing down God’s blessings. Prayers answered, provision supplied, unexpected miracles—I record them all. Why? Because forgetfulness sneaks in, making today’s challenges overshadow yesterday’s triumphs.
The Bible acknowledges this human tendency. God knew we’d need reminders, nudges to stop and reflect. As the NLT version of Psalm 103:2 beautifully states:
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”
Avoiding the Path of Forgetfulness
The Bible offers sobering lessons about forgetting God. Take the Israelites:
“They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord’s anger.” – Judges 2:12 NIV
And in Hosea, God warns:
“When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” – Hosea 13:6 NIV
Let’s not fall into the same trap. As we embark on 2025, may we remain steadfast, humble, and focused on the goodness of God. Every success, and even every failure, carries a purpose when we lean into His faithfulness.
A Prayer for 2025
Lord, as we step into a new year, help us to remember Your benefits—Your unfailing love, protection, provision, and grace. Keep us humble, grateful, and anchored in You. May we never take lightly the good things You do for us, and may our lives reflect unwavering gratitude. Amen.
Reflection Activity
Take five minutes today to list the benefits God has poured into your life. From small joys to life-altering moments, each one is evidence of His kindness.