“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
Welcome to the 51st weekly devotional recap of the year. We’re almost at the end of 2025, and this week’s articles drew our minds to (or reminded us of) different things we should reflect on and be thankful for.
We began on Monday with a call to be thankful for victories (2 Corinthians 2:14). Sometimes victories are loud and dramatic, and other times they are quieter—clarity, strength, joy, habits broken—but every victory, big or small, is worth pausing to thank God.
After special seasons, the enemy’s strategy is often to make you forget, but you must be intentional about thanksgiving (Exodus 15:1, 1 Samuel 2:1-2). As you step into this new season, let gratitude be your posture. Celebrate the God who fights for you, works in you, and continues to lead you.
Tuesday’s devotional encouraged us to thank God for prophecies fulfilled. God delights in fulfilling His word. He does not speak casually or vaguely (Numbers 23:19, Joshua 21:45). Prophecies are divine assurances spoken ahead of time, so that when they come to pass, your faith is strengthened (1 Kings 8:24).
Take a moment to reflect and thank God for the prophecies He has fulfilled, including those which you only recognize now in hindsight. As you do so, you are preparing your heart in faith for the ones yet to unfold.
Wednesday’s article charged us to rejoice always (I Thessalonians 5:16,18). The believer is called to a life of rejoicing, regardless of what is happening. This is because in Christ, you have been made victorious (2 Corinthians 2:14), so no matter what opposition you face, you have won already (Romans 8:37). Every time you rejoice, you remind yourself that you are victorious in Christ and the devil is under your feet. See every moment of frustration as an opportunity to choose joy over complaining and align yourself with God’s will.
On Thursday, we were reminded to thank God for preservation (Psalm 103:4). As important as intentionally living carefully and staying healthy are, you must never fail to acknowledge God as the one preserving you. (Genesis 48:16). The Apostle Paul described Him as the One who has delivered, is delivering, and will yet deliver (I Corinthians 1:10). This is the testimony of your life. Your might, power, or wisdom cannot preserve you. Every day, be conscious of the fact that it is the Lord who sustains you and thank Him (Psalm 3:5).
We ended the week by learning that the growth and spread of the gospel are strong indicators of an excellent year for a believer. This season of thanksgiving is a call to thank God for the gift of salvation, which has redeemed you and all your fellow believers, especially those who were saved this year.
So thank God for the gospel. Thank Him that it prevailed. Thank Him that you believe, and that through you, others can hear and believe too. Thank Him because you can look back on 2025 as a good year because it was a year in which the gospel grew mightily and prevailed.
Dear believer, these are only a few reasons out of many to be grateful. From today through the rest of the year, intentionally count your blessings and give thanks to the One who is the source of them all.
Have a blessed weekend.
Bible Reading Plan: Micah 4–5, Nahum; John 19:12–20:10