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This is a great verse to begin a new year with, especially for a year following 2020. Psalm 65 is filled with God’s goodness, abundance and blessing - it’s a great one to hold on to for this year. 

 

But as much as you may be looking forward to a better 2021, it is important to note that the Psalm begins with praise from the first verse: 

 

 

Yes, everyone is happy to have last year behind us, but there were many things to give thanks and praise for. Ministries continued in new ways, reaching new people that we would never have before. People found Island ECC for the first time, many were saved and grew in their faith, and some were even baptized for real in water at church! God was as active as ever.  

 

For me, last year made me thankful for all the little things, for more time at home, for every person who joined a Zoom event, for comments and encouragements during Live Chats, for every dollar given to our Love Offering at Christmas and many more.

 

Praise is “due” to God. This means that He is worthy of our worship, but you could also treat it as an exercise in intentionality, sort of like a due date (especially if you think last year was a total write-off).

 

What can you give God praise and thanks for in the last year? If you can only think of one or two, maybe try writing or journaling about it. I think you’ll soon have a longer list. 

 

The Psalm closes with praise for God’s provision in bountiful harvests the come from His care for nature.

 

 

On that note, I am thankful for hiking trails in Hong Kong. Hiking is one of the few activities we can enjoy these days, and our city is so unique in that it has beautiful vistas and lush green just minutes away from urban areas. I hope you can get outside and enjoy His creation and worship in it.

 

May your new year be crowned with His bounty and blessings!