A Thank You Letter To 2023

It's funny how tomorrow is technically just another Monday, but for many it has a lot of symbolic significance. The old is passing away and the new is coming. For those of you who are so desperate to escape what this year may have brought, I challenge you to look back and acknowledge God's faithfulness despite the trials of these past 365 days.

I want to end this year praying through Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

I want us to break this down together and see why it is so vital as we close one chapter and get ready to open a fresh one.

1. Don't Be Anxious - Easier said than done, believe me. This year has truly taught me that the only thing I can do about my anxious thoughts is to turn them over to God. No amount of worrying will lessen the known or unknown. This leads us to point number two.

2. Pray Constantly - We have access to the Father, use it! He is our greatest source of comfort. When my heart grows anxious or heavy, I say "Dear Lord" and talk to God as I would a friend, because that is exactly what He is. I lay it all down at His feet and can rest assured that He has heard my voice and He cares so deeply.

3. Say Thanks - How often are our prayers so focused on what we want that we forget what we have? God never grows tired of our prayers, but in those times of prayer train yourslef to see the goodness of God. Acknowledge His blessings and faithfulness as a reminder of why you are praying in the first place. We bring our request to God because He is more than able to do anything! What a comfort this is to our weary souls.

4. Prince of Peace - One of the many names of God, and one that is so fitting. Our circumstances don't have to be perfect for us to experience the peace of God. He is present in the mess, and He will walk before us and beside us. Allow this peace to completely transform your life. How you interact with others, how you pray, even how you think.

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This year had its fair share of highs and lows, both of which I can see God's hand in! He is so faithful. This year has taught me the power of prayer, I have learned to pray bold prayers to a God who is capable and a God who is good. I have also learned the necessity of waiting on the Lord. His timing may not always make snese and rareky aligns with our own, but it is worth every second, every time. This year, the blessing of family has been reinforced in my life. My family has always been close, and this year strengthened that bond through growth and pruning. I gained a husband and a sister this year, two people I can't imagine life without. Praise God for writing these incredible stories of our lives!

My hope in writing this is that we don't leave this year bitter or afraid. Step into tomorrow and each day after that in the confidence that God is taking care of you. Stay in His word, stay close to Him. Look for His goodness in all things. He desires relationship with us, run to Him. Pray without ceasing, and thank Him for all He has done. Thank Him for leading you through this year despite what you may have faced, and know you did not face it alone.

Lord, I pray for everyone reading this as they prepare to enter into a new year. I pray for growth and I pray for opportunity. May we not let the days pass us by wasted, but may we use each breath for your glory. May we use our gifts to serve You and others, and may we never forget the richness of sitting in Your presence. We love You God, may that be evident in our lives.