Dec 31 – PRAISE!

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, “Amen!” praise the Lord!” (Psalm 106:48).

As you have come into the last day of the year, let the only word coming out of your heart be praise.

Was not God with you throughout the year, wonderfully nurturing you, providing you with food and dress every day? Did He not carry you on His shoulders every day, on which He carried the Cross? Did He not carry you just as eagle takes its younger ones on its wings?

Did He not comfort you like a mother and show mercy on you like a father? Did He not affectionately show love towards you like a brother? Did He not console, comfort and embrace you like a friend? Did He not love your soul, walk with you and fill your heart with divine peace? Dear children of God, say, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

David recollects all the good things done by God, speaks with his soul saying, “Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits.” The Scripture says, “Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:3-5).

God has graciously placed you in the land of the living even upto the end of the year 2020. The Scripture says, “The dead do not praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 115:17, 18).

Friends may change as days go by. The community may choose a different path. But the lover of your soul will never change and will graciously accompany you forever. He has promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Dear children of God, since our God is a living God, He is powerful to save you fully to the end. God who guided you for the whole of this year will continue to guide you in the days to come. One who carried you thus far will carry you further. He will Carry you, help you to escape, support you and bless you. Right now, His eternal arms are embracing you. Hold the arms of one who is eternal and praise Him.    

To meditate: “For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death” (Psalm 48:14).