This has been one challenging year. We have all faced different challenges because of this pandemic, but God has been faithful through it all. Thankfully the year is coming to an end, and the holidays are here.
Now, you may be wondering, is there anything to be grateful for this year?
It could be that you lost your job or business. You have battled with sickness or disease for the better part of the year. Or maybe you lost a loved ones, and now you feel all alone and lost.
Well, the word of God tells us to be thankful in every situation.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:
Always rejoice. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
Meaning that we can thank God despite all that has happened or is happening. If you are struggling to find things to be thankful for this holiday, here are three things that you can start with:
The Gift of Life
Some people had the whole year planned out, but they are not here with us because of the pandemic or other factors. But you are here. Yes, life may not be the way you wanted it to be, but you have a chance to start over and do great exploits for God.
Your heavenly Father is giving you a chance to start over or continue with your plans. Let the gift of life be reason enough for you to enjoy these holidays. Thank God for giving you the gift of life because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
James 4:13-15 says
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” 14 Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. 15 For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.
Eternal Life
Businesses, education, and other kinds of things were slowed down this year. Not because we wanted to slow down but because we were forced to do it. But if we are, to be honest, the pandemic came with some great lessons.
Most of us learned that one day this world will pass away. The things we are chasing after will fade away. But our relationship with God through his son Jesus will remain.
This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life. 1 John 2:25
This holiday let us thank God for the great lessons about life. Let us thank Him for giving up his only son so that we can have eternal life. If it was not for God’s unconditional love and the great sacrifice Jesus made, we would not look forward to enjoying eternity in his presence. It is easy to overlook this because we are busy living in the now but this holiday, tell God thank you for giving us eternal life through Jesus Christ
Family and Friends
Being around family during the holiday can be challenging. But how about we rise above our differences this year and enjoy each other’s company. Let us thank God that we are still together after all we have been through this year.
Even if you have one family member or friend alive this year, know that you have something to be thankful for. Many are in pain because they lost their loved ones, but you have someone in your life to show love and share great moments with.
If possible, spend time with these people and show them how much you appreciate them.
Romans 12:10 says
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another;
In short:
This has been a tough year. Things went from good to bad or bad to worse real quick. But God has been faithful through it all, and if you have one thing to be thankful for, then show your gratitude to God.
