When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah. . . Chronicles 20:22 (NASB)

As the year 2007 comes to a close, many of us are reflecting on things that happened, things that DIDN'T happen, plans that were not quite fulfilled, plans that WERE fulfilled, things we wish we had done, and things we wish we had NOT done, and the like. But think of it this way: God was in control of all of it. Even though we laid our plans well, or so we thought, God was still in control. I learned many lessons this year, but I feel the most important was that I should make plans loosely. What I mean by that is it's okay to make plans, but make plans in light of God's will for our lives; make plans with the full understanding that God, in His wisdom, can change them. He can do that - He's God. And don't always expect Him to discuss with you His changes. Been there done that! The Word of God says that God's ways are above our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

I want to encourage somebody to start now giving over to God your 2008. Don't wait until December 31 to commit the new year to Him. Start now! Pour out your heart to God now! Praise Him for what He brought you through this year. Praise Him for what He gave you this year, and for what He didn't give you. Praise God for the changes you had to encounter that you didn't see coming. Praise Him sacrificially for those life situations that you didn't ask for, couldn't control, and certainly couldn't stop. Give Him some praise because He kept you through it. He saw to it you didn't lose your mind. When you were crying because you didn't understand, God was keeping you. When you cried out to Him for answers you so desperately needed, God was holding you.

The Hebrew term "Judah" means praise (Genesis 29:35). I want to challenge all of us to let Judah go before you into 2008. Start the new year praising God, go through the year praising Him, and finish the year praising Him. And not just once on Sunday; choose to make praise to God a daily activity. When you go through your trials and tests learn to praise God in the very midst of them. Difficult? Yes, sometimes. Empowering? Always!