2020 has been the craziest, most disruptive year in memory.
Tens of millions of people worldwide have gotten sick with COVID-19, and sadly more than a million people so far have died from it.
Beyond that, the pandemic has disrupted everyone’s lives with business closings, school closings, church unable to meet in person, social distancing, and isolation which have added to people’s stress and anxiety.
On top of that, this year we’ve had a record number hurricanes, wild fires, police shootings, riots, and an extremely divisive presidential election.
Is it any wonder that most people can’t wait to turn the calendar to 2021?
Those of us who live in the United States are blessed that back in 1863 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”, to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.
Because of this historic proclamation, every year we are “forced” to take a day to reflect and give thanks for the many ways God has blessed us. Not just in the years when there have been few natural disasters, our country is at peace, the economy is good, and there are no major health epidemics.
We human beings are a fickle bunch.
We tend to make our thanks, our appreciation, and even our love conditional. When our circumstances seem good, we overflow with thanksgiving. When our circumstances seem bad, we whine and complain.
But the truth is… those of us who follow Jesus have much to be grateful for regardless of our circumstances.
Yes, when circumstances are good, let’s thank God for good health, good finances, good friends, and good experiences.
But when circumstances are challenging, we can still thank and praise God for who He is and what He does.
To help with that, here are
7 Things We Can Always Be Thankful For
- He loves us unconditionally (Romans 5:8)
- He is with us when we experience heart break (Psalm 34:18)
- He never leaves us or forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- He has a plan and a purpose for us (Jeremiah 29:11)
- He uses the challenges we face to help us become more like Christ (Romans 5:3-4)
- He works all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28)
- Jesus will return soon, and when He does, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He will make all things new. (Revelation 21:4-5)
As you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, my prayer is that it will be a day in which you take your eyes off your circumstances in this world and fix your eyes on our God who has overcome the world.
And may you never look back.
Cultivate the ability to say “Thank you for everything,” & you will find that everything is a gift. –unknown
This year, as always, I am especially thankful to God for those of you who subscribe and comment on our blog articles, for our amazing team here at OurChurch.Com, and for all the wonderful people and organizations we are blessed to serve with our church website builder, church web design, and Christian SEO services. If we can help you in any of these ways, click the link to read more or complete the consultation request form below to schedule a time to talk.
Comment and Discuss…
- What are you thankful for this year?
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce.