A Few Thoughts about Thanksgiving in 2020

In the midst of COVID-19 and the “reset” (PM Justin Trudeau), how do Christians respond?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NET in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

How can anyone give thanks in everything?

We have a Messiah.

We have a hope.

We have a future.

We have a salvation.

We have a constant friend.

We have a family.

We have a fellowship.

We have a forgiveness.

We have a promise.

We have a life.

We have a helper.

We have a peace.

We have a song.

We have truth.

We have a worldview.

We have a lifestyle.

We have an armor.

We have a King.

We have a gift.

We have a history.

In prison, still sing: Acts 16:25 EMTV Now about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

We can all have a thankful attitude with God’s help. John 15:5 GW I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can't produce anything without me.

What do we do? We must, by God’s grace, actively apply this advice. Philippians 4:8 NLT And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

None of us are perfect in this for sure. We need to remember this Philippians 4:4-7 NLT Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

God does give strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Yahweh, who is the greatest of all counselors, has given us the Psalms to help us. We can speak freely to Him (Hebrews 4:16 MKJV Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.)

First an article: 5 Things the Psalms of Lament Teach Us About Emotions.

A few Psalms:

B1 Psalm 13

B2 Psalm 10

B3 Psalm 69

B4 Psalm 143

Pray

B1 Think about the ways God has helped you, then pray.

B2 Pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering.

B3 Pray for yourself.

B4 Pray for the Lord Jesus to come. “Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20 ESV He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!