It is not a mere coincidence that today is the last day as well as the last Sunday of the year 2023. Indeed, thus far this year, God has been faithful and good to us. It is true that you may not have all your expectations met this year, but you cannot undermine God’s goodness and mercies. If you think deeply and reflect on this year, you will agree with me that it has been God all through.
The Bible says *“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof …”* (Eccl. 7:8). Why did the wisest king that ever lived- Solomon, say that the end of a thing is better than its beginning? The fact is that the good outcome or result of a project is always more celebrated than its commencement. For instance, a student is more celebrated at graduation than at matriculation. It is not everyone who started the race of this year that made it to the end. It is so pathetic that some people did not even complete up to half of the journey of the year. It is no longer a news that some of the high and mighty in our society could not get to the finishing line of the year. It is quite unfortunate that they are already six feet beneath the earth surface and have become part of life history. Friend, you need to think and thank God for His manifold grace and unending mercies shown to you. Instead of complaining, grumbling and murmuring over what you are yet to achieve, give thanks to Him for what He has done. Beloved, if you don’t have any reason to thank God, just thank Him for the gift of life and sound health. As long as you are still alive, there is hope for you and your aspirations. A visit to the hospital will open your eyes to the need to give thanks on your health and ability to do many things by yourself. There are many people locked up in the police cell or even remanded in the prison; they do not have freedom of movement that you have. The Psalmist considered giving thanks to God as a good thing and he said, *“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High”* (Ps. 92:1). If you don’t give thanks to God, you are not doing a good thing; because giving thanks unto the Lord is a good thing. What benefit is accrued to thanksgiving?
When you give thanks to God, He is encouraged, motivated, and poised to do more for you. As we enter into the New Year in some hours’ time, let us cultivate the attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving unto God. You will sail through and land well in the journey of the year 2024. Just be praiseful and thankful unto God! Congratulations and Happy New Year to the Cedar household, home and abroad! *SHALOM*
