Thankfulness in 2020

In a year that has been filled with turmoil and difficulty it can be difficult to be thankful, for there seems to be little reason for us to do so. Yet despite the overwhelming sense of negativity which will surround our experience of 2020, it is still the case that we have cause to be thankful to God. No matter what events may have transpired, difficulties been endured, or tragic circumstances taken hold on our lives, our God is the same 'yesterday, and today, and forever' and he has even given us reason to be thankful in a year such as this.

Certainty
One of the characteristics of 2020 has been that of uncertainty. Uncertainty over how long lockdown restrictions will last, whether a vaccine will be effective, and what things will look like next year. Yet in a year of constant uncertainty, we can be thankful for certainty. No matter how uncertain things appear from our own perspective, we can be sure that God is control and that all that has taken place has done so according to the predetermined will of God. Not one case of coronavirus has caught God unawares, or taken occurred outside of his predetermined purpose. In the midst of uncertainty we can be thankful for the certainty of God's providence and his promises.

'I am the Lord I change not' (Malachi 3:6)

Truth
Is Covid-19 a scam? Are the death totals accurate? Is the government hiding something? Are the mainstream media outlets really telling us the truth? The quest to establish the truth during the coronavirus pandemic has for many people been a wearisome one, with the fake news pandemic almost as prevalent as Covid-19, Pontius Pilate's question 'What is truth?' being an accurate description of the difficulties we have faced. How thankful we can then be that have the truth of God contained in his Word. The word of God does not present us with subjective opinions, doubts, possibilities or fake news. In the scriptures we have the authoritative, objective truth of God. Be thankful in 2020 for the God of truth, and that he has revealed his truth to us

'Thy word is truth' (John 17:17)

Nearness
There are few of us who had ever heard the terms 'social distancing' or 'self isolation' prior to 2020, yet they have become synonymous with the year that has passed. Surely one of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic for people to endure has been lack of nearness which they have been able to experience with friends and family. Whether it be the inability to visit elderly relatives, socialise with friends, or attend events with large numbers, it has been a year where many have felt isolated and alone. Yet, as everyone else appears to be at a distance from us, we have this truth for our comfort - God is ever near us. God is not kept from us by the restrictions of man, but when our circumstances are difficult, is nearer to us than never. For this we are thankful, that the God of comfort is near to his people.

'Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?' (Jeremiah 23:23)

Safety
What has been the main concern of 2020? Ultimately is has been keeping ourselves and others safe from coronavirus. Whether it be through the wearing of facemasks, social distancing, lockdowns or vaccines, society has sought to keep itself safe from infection. As we have all been susceptible to infection by the virus, and the concern of what that may entail, we have had the issue of safety foremost in our minds. For so many the concern has been that they are not protected. Yet in this year where safety has been such a significant issue for us, the Christian can rejoice that when it comes to the most important issues of all, they are absolutely safe. Since we are in Christ we forever safe from the wrath and condemnation of God, and his judgement upon our sin. Be thankful for the safety which you have as a child of God, knowing that you are eternally secure in Christ, safe from the consequences of sin.

'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:1)

Calm
As the first lockdown came into place, panic and fear seemed to grip society. Supermarket shelves were emptied of essential goods. Even since then many people have still been filled with fear, living under the shadow of coronavirus and the threat which it brings. Others have struggled with paranoia over what may or may not be 'the truth' around coronavirus. Such fears can come naturally, and to be circumspect and cautious at this time is not unwise. Yet the Christian ought not live in a spirit of fear, for 'God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind'. In the midst of the trepidation and alarm that has pervaded our society, be thankful for the peace and calm that is available for the believer. We can have calm in our souls because of the assurances of God. He is in control, and is working all things together for his own good. Be thankful for calm in the soul, and look to God in order that you would have it.

'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10)