Ending The Year With Praise And Testimonies Series

ENDING THE YEAR WITH PRAISE AND TESTIMONIES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 103:1-5

Key Verse:

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 34:1-3; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Revelation 12:11; Luke 17:11-19; Psalm 126:1-3

Description:

A call to intentionally conclude the year by celebrating God’s faithfulness through heartfelt praise and declared testimonies, regardless of circumstances.

INTRODUCTION

As the year draws to a close, God calls His people not merely to reflect on challenges but to magnify His faithfulness. Praise and testimonies are spiritual responses that acknowledge God’s hand throughout the year, recognising both visible victories and hidden preservations. Scripture teaches that gratitude honours God and keeps the heart aligned with truth.

Many believers wait for “perfect outcomes” before praising God, yet biblical praise often rises from faith, not convenience. Ending the year with praise declares that God is worthy in every season, while testimonies publicly affirm that His power is real, active, and trustworthy. Praise lifts burdens, and testimonies silence doubt.

This message reminds believers that how the year ends spiritually matters deeply. Closing the year with praise and testimonies positions the heart for joy, strengthens faith for the future, and invites God’s continued presence into the coming season.

1. PRAISE IS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE, NOT A FEELING

Praise is an intentional act of faith that exalts God regardless of circumstances and emotions.

When believers choose praise, they declare God’s sovereignty above their situations.

a) Praise Is a Command, Not an Option. (Psalm 34:1)

David resolved to bless the Lord at all times, teaching that praise must be continuous and deliberate.

b) Praise Shifts Spiritual Atmospheres. (Psalm 22:3)

God inhabits the praises of His people, making praise a channel for divine presence.

c) Praise Declares God’s Supremacy. (Psalm 47:1)

Praising God acknowledges His authority over every event of the year.

d) Praise Releases Inner Strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

The joy of the Lord released through praise becomes strength for weary hearts.

Biblical Example:

Habakkuk praised God despite visible lack, choosing faith over fear at the close of his prophecy (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

2. TESTIMONIES PRESERVE GOD’S WORKS IN MEMORY

Testimonies are verbal acknowledgements of God’s acts that prevent forgetfulness and unbelief.

What is not testified about is easily forgotten.

a) Testimonies Glorify God Publicly. (Psalm 66:16)

Declaring what God has done magnifies Him before others.

b) Testimonies Strengthen Personal Faith. (Psalm 77:11)

Remembering God’s past works reinforces confidence for the future.

c) Testimonies Inspire Others. (Mark 5:19)

Sharing testimonies encourages others to trust God for their own breakthroughs.

d) Testimonies Defeat the Enemy. (Revelation 12:11)

The testimony of believers silences accusations and reinforces victory.

Biblical Example:

The healed demoniac testified about Jesus, spreading faith throughout the region (Mark 5:20).

3. PRAISE AND TESTIMONIES ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S FAITHFULNESS THROUGH THE YEAR

Every year carries unseen deliverances, preserved lives, and answered prayers.

Praise recognises not only what God did but who He is.

a) God’s Benefits Must Be Remembered. (Psalm 103:2-5)

Forgetfulness diminishes gratitude, but remembrance fuels praise.

b) Thanksgiving Invites Divine Pleasure. (Psalm 69:30–31)

God delights in thankful hearts more than ritual offerings.

c) Gratitude Recognises Hidden Mercies. (Lamentations 3:22–23)

God’s mercies sustain life daily, even when unnoticed.

d) Faith Sees Beyond What Failed. (Romans 8:28)

Praise affirms trust that God worked even in difficult moments.

Biblical Example:

David consistently recalled God’s deliverance from past dangers and responded with praise (Psalm 18).

4. ENDING THE YEAR WITH PRAISE POSITIONS BELIEVERS FOR A BETTER NEW SEASON

Spiritual posture at the end of a season influences the opening of the next.

Praise creates a bridge of hope into the future.

a) Praise Prepares the Heart for Increase. (Luke 16:10)

Faithfulness in thanksgiving qualifies believers for greater blessings.

b) Joy Carries Strength into the New Year. (Isaiah 12:3)

Praise-filled joy renews spiritual energy for the next season.

c) Gratitude Attracts God’s Presence. (Psalm 100:4)

Entering with thanksgiving grants access to deeper fellowship with God.

d) Praise Declares Expectation. (Hebrews 11:6)

Praising God affirms faith that He will continue to act powerfully.

Biblical Example:

Paul and Silas praised God in prison, and divine intervention followed (Acts 16:25-26).

CONCLUSION

Ending the year with praise and testimonies is a powerful spiritual statement of faith, gratitude, and trust in God. It acknowledges that God has been present through every high and low, orchestrating events for His glory and our good.

As believers conclude the year, they must intentionally choose praise over complaints and testimonies over silence. A praise-filled ending invites joy, peace, and divine expectation into the coming year.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness throughout this year.

2. Help me to end this year with a grateful and joyful heart.

3. Forgive me for every time I complained instead of praising You.

4. Open my eyes to see Your hand in every season of this year.