Quote from the poem ‘One Set of footprints’ ~ The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

The decorations are coming down. The celebrations are quieter now. The songs fade, the lights dim, and for many, the weight of the year just lived begins to settle in.

For some, the year was not easy. It was marked by trials, loss, disappointment, unanswered prayers, spiritual battles, and long seasons of waiting. Many walked through valleys they never expected to enter. Some are still standing—but barely.

Yet here you are. Still standing.

Scripture reminds us that while the road is often hard, we were never abandoned on it. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Jesus never promised a life without trouble. What He promised was something far greater: His presence, His victory, and His faithfulness through it all. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Through every hardship, every tear, every moment of doubt—God was with us. When strength ran out, He carried us. When faith felt fragile, He held us fast. When answers didn’t come, His presence never left. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” (Isaiah 43:2) Not if you pass through—but when. And still, He is there.

This is where true gratitude is born—not from perfect outcomes, but from God’s unchanging character. Gratitude grows when we look back and realize that what should have broken us, did not—because God upheld us. We give thanks not because the year was painless, but because we are still here, God sustained us, His grace was sufficient, and His mercies were new every morning. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)

If this year stretched you, tested you, or refined you—take heart. God wastes nothing. No tear was unseen. No prayer unheard. No trial meaningless. Trials deepen faith. Waiting builds endurance. Suffering produces hope. “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” (Romans 5:3)

As we look toward the coming year, know this: you do not step forward alone. The same God who carried you through the storm will walk with you into whatever lies ahead. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6) The new year does not require your strength—it requires your trust. You may not see the full picture, but you can trust the One who does. God goes before you. God walks beside you. God stands behind you. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

If you are still weary, still healing, still unsure—be encouraged. Healing is not rushed. Faith is not measured by speed. God is patient and gentle with His children. “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” (Isaiah 42:3)

Gratitude does not deny the pain. It declares that God was faithful in the midst of it.

As we move forward, may our hearts remain thankful—not just for what God has done, but for who He is. The year may have been hard, but God was good. The road may have been narrow, but He never left our side. “The Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

And that—no matter the season, no matter the year ahead—is always worth giving thanks for.

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** One Set of Footprints Photo by Iurii Ivashchenko at Pexels