Two thousand twenty has been a year for the history books. We’ve struggled through a pandemic, sheltering in place, political divisions, racial turmoil, and economic woes. People are restless, lonely, and struggling. Anxiety and depression have skyrocketed. While it might be tempting to focus on the negative and see nothing to be thankful for this year, I think that would be short-sighted.
Thanksgiving provides us with an opportunity to pause, step back, and look at the bigger picture. It’s a time to be reminded that no matter how dire the circumstances, there are always reasons to give thanks to God. If you need convincing, consider the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk who penned these words:
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
Habakkuk 3:17-19
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.
Habakkuk wrote this during a time of great distress for Judah, yet he had complete confidence in the eternal security of God’s people. Grapes and olives were daily staples in his time and sheep and cattle were indicators of wealth. So, Habakkuk’s description here shows that he and his contemporaries were lacking resources and comforts. Yet, he was so sure of God that, no matter how dark the day, he had no doubt that the outcome would be good. One commentary explains, “For God’s people there is a glorious future. It may be a long way off, but it is absolutely sure. Thus, in the midst of his gloom and despair, Habakkuk could be an optimist of the first magnitude.”
Instead of focusing on his immediate difficulties, Habakkuk rejoiced knowing God was his savior. He found his strength in the Lord and was able to rise above his circumstances because of Him.
How can you follow Habakkuk’s example by being “an optimist of the first magnitude” despite the hardships 2020 has included? What can you be thankful for as you look back on this year? God’s Word reminds us that there is always room for gratitude when we take our eyes off ourselves and remember His character and blessings.
If you’ve read any of my recent posts, you know what I’ll remember most about 2020 is losing my mom. As we head into Thanksgiving week, I’m preparing for an online celebration of her life. It’s not quite the memorial service I had in mind, but I’m still thankful for the opportunity to celebrate her virtually with others. I keep coming back to one of the passages of Scripture my mom asked to have included in her service:
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV)
In spite of hard and sad circumstances, I’m going to thank God that, in the light of eternity, my troubles are light and momentary. On top of that, they are achieving an eternal glory for me that far surpasses anything the world has to offer. I’m going to be grateful that what is seen is temporary (including pandemics, politics, racism, financial struggles, anxiety, depression, and grief) but what is unseen is eternal (including God’s grace, love, forgiveness, hope, and salvation).
No matter what’s happening now or what takes place in the future, we can rely on the Lord for strength and joy, just as Habakkuk did. His Word gives us concrete reasons to express gratitude this Thanksgiving and always.
Whether you’re gathering with family and friends or celebrating on you own, I hope the poignancy of “The Thanksgiving Song” by Ben Rector will draw you into a posture of thankfulness this week. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving, even in 2020!
Halley’s Bible Handbook, Zondervan, 2000. P. 470.