If you think about it, the first couple lines of this verse probably sums up your year. Take some time to think about some of the things God has done, the victories He’s helped you to win, and the trials He’s brought you through. Then read the last couple lines. Have you accepted everything God’s given as though He owed it to you or have you in turn given everything you have back to Him?

When I was young, we sang:

I used to ponder this and still do periodically. Christ literally gave up everything for us, and yet we remain selfish beings who forget about this when we complain about what isn’t going right in our lives. If you have not begun a habit of praising God daily for His blessings, I encourage you to start today. I’m reading through the Psalms, and I love praising Him as I read each morning. Maybe you have a harder time finding your blessings than I do, but I am sure they are there. Ask God to open your eyes. If you can only think of one positive thing, thank Him for that. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!