Okay, here is a tell tale sign about my age – those of you who don’t remember you can Google it – but I remember the movie, “Back to the Future”. Michael J. Fox ends up in the future….sometimes I feel like I want to be there. Do you ever feel this way? Let’s fast forward because this “issue” will be over, or things will be better…or different.

While God tells us not to worry about the future, we as humans often look toward it. However, how often do we wait to praise God until He does something, instead of praising Him now for what He will do? To believe now, for what He will do because He is faithful.

At a retreat I attended this past fall, we read through part of 2 Chronicles 20. In verse 15, Judah and King Jehoshaphat are told to not be afraid by those coming to fight them, but trust the battle is God’s.

They then bow and praise and thank God for what He will do in fighting the battle because of His faithfulness in the past.

Wow, how powerful is it to praise before it happens? I don’t know about you, but think about how difficult that had to be for them. People are coming to fight you to the death, and you stop to thank God for what He will do because He is faithful.

Maybe you are thinking you have not seen the faithfulness of God. If that is you, I am sorry, and I pray your eyes are opened. Opened to the faithfulness God woke you up this morning to live another day, faithfulness for the food you just ate, or the clothes you are wearing, or the phone or device you are using to read this. And of course, we can be thankful God sent Jesus to save us all.

We are not promised tomorrow, yet most of us would admit we live thinking about the future. Plus, we don’t just live thinking about it, we worry about it. Yet, God has always been faithful, and He always will be. What a change in thinking it was for me to not only thank God after (which honestly sometimes I’m not great about either), but for what He will do because I know He is faithful.

As we head into 2024 soon, let’s praise God for what He will do because He has always been faithful. Let’s write God a “thank you” note.

Father God,
I do not know what 2024 holds, but You do. I know You have provided my needs for (list how God has provided in your personal or business life recently and for whatever you are believing for 2024. Thank Him for what He is going to do.) Because of this, I know You will blow me away with Your continued provision and faithfulness in 2024. And I do thank You for what You will do, but help me stay grounded in today as well, and where You would like me to focus right now. I love You and thank You for all You have done, and all You will do.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

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