Read 
Psalm 145
My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.  Verse 21 (NIV) 

Reflect 
In Psalm 145 David calls us to take the time to look back on our lives and reflect on the goodness of our God. We are encouraged to praise God for his greatness, his compassion, and his faithfulness, and to thank God for his many gifts throughout our lives. In the words of an old hymn, we are urged to, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” Our youngest child at home has no language, but he has music in his heart, and it comes out all the time. One of his favourite songs of late is “Count Your Blessings.” 

Of course, it’s possible that you don’t feel like praising God. Maybe you look back on this year and feel you were not blessed at all. Perhaps you feel like the person who said to me, “There is nothing to be thankful for in 2020, especially with this COVID 19 virus going on.” Then I think of my little guy who cannot talk, cannot walk, cannot do so many things that kids his age do and I hear him sing and laugh and I need to be thankful for so much. 

If you feel down and out, read Psalm 145 again. Take some time by yourself to reflect on every part of this psalm. Look back on this past year and trace the hand of God who provides you with everything you need, despite the negative things that have happened in our world. 

In spite of everything that happens in our lives, God never leaves us. Most important, he gave us the greatest gift imaginable, the gift of his only Son, the Lord Jesus. 

That is the key. As Paul states in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Be assured today that the giving God is always with you. 

Pray 
Lord, we praise you for your goodness and faithfulness. Help us to count our blessings and to be assured of your love. In Jesus, Amen.