Philippians 4: 6 tells us, “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Thanksgiving for most of us might be a little different this year, but there’s no need to cancel the holiday. God’s goodness to us can still be celebrated with no need to cut back on our praise. The year 2020 has been one for the history books for sure. Yet, in spite of all the craziness and uncertainty, loss and mourning we can still find many things to be thankful for.
I am amazed at how quickly the year has passed. When we look back at all the changes and events that have taken place since January it is mind boggling. But we made it through and I for one am thankful to be here…still struggling at times to understand all that is taking place, but hopeful that the worse will soon be behind us and the future more positive.
Politics and Covid 19, like lions lurking in the darkness, have kept us all on the edge of our seats and afraid to hope that sanity and peace might soon return. Parents have been forced to become teachers, kids have been separated from friends and most of us wear a mask whenever we leave the house now. Too many older people have been left alone in order to insure their health and safety. Many lost their jobs and businesses while others had to show up to work every day and try to fill the void.
Masks, Social distancing, on-line ordering and no-contact service has become our new normal. Perhaps the saddest part has been the churches who have had to close their doors leaving the true church, God’s people, without the needed support and encouragement…
But let’s look on the bright side: We can still keep in touch with those we can’t see. Thank God for cell phones and the internet. Face-time…even Facebook… with all its faults has served to keep us connected with those we love. Many families have grown closer and the slower pace gives more time for smelling the roses along the way. We can praise the Lord wherever we are…even raise our voices in song …much louder than we’d ever dare to do in church. God loves our joyful noises!
We have to look no further than God’s word to find comfort and the peace He promises to those who seek His face. Verse 8 of Philippians 4 goes on to tell us: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Our circumstances might have changed from last year, but Jesus Christ and His love are the same. God’s mercy is new every morning. May we all seek His face, not only on Thanksgiving, but every day He gives us. My prayer is that all will find much to be thankful for and that His peace will find its way into every home and every heart this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!
