I gladly welcome you to the last month of the Year 2023, which has been our amazing season of Divine Double Preservation. Indeed, our faithful God of Hope has exceeded our destiny expectations, and we have every reason to shout Hallelujah Praise to His wonderful Name. This last month is our month of Divine Double Hallelujah Praise. “HALLELUJAH” is the premier word for praise in the Bible. Hallelujah transcends the languages of the world. It is not translated; it is transliterated.  “Hallel” means to boast or to brag on, to make a show, even to the point of looking ridiculous. “Jah” is the short form of the name for God.  Hallelujah is the spontaneous outcry of one who is excited about God. It is used only 24 times in the Old Testament, all between Psalm 104 and 150. It is reserved for times of extreme exultation (PSALM 104: 35; 105: 45; 106: 1, 48; 111: 1; 112: 1; 113: 1, 9; 116: 19; 117: 1, 2; 135: 1, 3; 146: 1, 10; 147: 1, 20; 148: 1, 7, 14; 149: 1,9; 150: 1, 6). How many spiritual elders are praising God on His throne daily—24 (Revelation 4: 1-10). “Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in his mighty heavens.  Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness. Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, and praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” (Psalm 150).

       So no matter our current situation, or the struggles we may be facing, here is what choosing to be thankful does: It gets our eyes off ourselves and helps us to focus back on God. It reminds us we’re not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is in control. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him. It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all the little things, which we may often forget to thank Him for. It takes our attention off our problems and helps us instead to reflect on the goodness of His many blessings. It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand. A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time. It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can’t stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee. It opens the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him. Undoubtedly, let someone who is ending the Year 2023 in praises shout a mighty Hallelujah and (Amen)