2020 has been a very difficult year for many people. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on us in many ways. The economic impact on us has been significant. Some have lost their jobs, many have seen a marked decrease in their business, and others are working under less than ideal restrictions. The physical impact on those who have contracted the virus is great. Some have even lost loved ones during the outbreak. Churches have been impacted by the pandemic significantly. Some have had to shut down for a time while offering online teaching. Most churches have canceled many ministry related events. Regular church goers have suffered somewhat of a setback spiritually. So much of the enjoyment in our daily lives has been affected by the virus.
We are about to celebrate another Thanksgiving. As we look around us, what can we be thankful for? What is there in our world of political division, social unrest and the multiplied restrictions to be thankful for? Some, perhaps have been even thinking about skipping this Covid Thanksgiving altogether. However, the Bible tells all of God’s people in 1 Thess. 5:18: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”.
We can be thankful that God is still on the throne. Rev. 4:2 pictures God as seated on His throne in heaven. He will not be voted out of office, impeached, or term-limited. His rule is not affected by anything. We can rest in His sovereign reign. We can be thankful that the message of the cross still saves sinners. Nothing has changed the emptiness and sinfulness of the human heart. And there is no other way people can be forgiven and enter the joys of eternity but by receiving Christ as their Savior (Acts 4:12). We can be thankful that our job as witnesses for Jesus has not been terminated. We will never be laid off from our duty to preach the gospel.
Be sure to remember all of the many blessings that our God has showered upon us as we gather with our families and celebrate a Covid Thanksgiving.