Hello Amazing Reader, 

The Faithful God has brought us to the last day in September 2024, hallelujah! But for the Lord’s mercies, we would have been consumed. 

Have you taken some time to intentionally thank God for the first nine months of the year? I once heard the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, share this story. He narrated how a particular man suddenly started crying. People wondered why he was crying and kept asking him why, but he was so consumed that he couldn’t respond immediately. When he got himself together, he told the people that he had just realized that on that day, many years ago, God intervened in his situation. 

These people couldn’t hide their disappointment. “You mean you are crying because of something God did for you many years ago?” This man explained that it was tears of joy. Still, they didn’t get it. They were ready to console him thinking something bad happened, but when they found out it was a call for rejoicing and thanksgiving, they left him to himself. 

The human nature is drawn to negatives, more than it is to positives. That is why you need to be intentional and personal about thanksgiving. Many times, you won’t feel like it, but it is a debt you owe God. Wise believers understand that God does wonders in praises, and they ensure to always give God the glory. 

King David understood its importance and was always deliberate and specific with thanksgiving. Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV) states, 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle." 

No matter how bad you think the year has been, if you think deeply, you’ll realize God has been faithful to you. Your thanksgiving for what He has done so far determines what you’ll experience in the remaining three months of this year and beyond. 

However, gratitude is a choice. Will you choose to bless the Lord?