Giving Thanks in Troubled Times

“In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”                   (1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Giving thanks in hard times can be a challenge. How goes it with you as we approach the Thanksgiving season, 2020? What a year it has been! Political chaos, COVID-19 virus, job losses, strife in the streets across our nation, and who knows how many races have been cancelled, postponed into 2021? Our beloved racing companies have suffered too!

It may be that “all things” are not quite right in your world for another reason. This year, you may be digging out of some financial pit of debt that’s deep and wide; or perhaps someone near to you is in a fight for their life with a health issue.  And frankly, feeling thankful appears as a mirage on your horizon – far, far away. A lot like running with lead in your legs and pushing to the top of the next hill!

I recently reviewed the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ ministry, and discovered Him giving thanks in some peculiar places. In John 6:1-14, Jesus and the disciples were faced with feeding some 5,000 people – the bad news, there was no Dominoes to deliver; no Chick-Fil-A to cut a deal with on box lunches. All they had was 5 loaves and 2 fish. Hopelessly, desperately, and inadequate for the task at hand! And then, John 6:11 – “Jesus therefore took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated.” Bingo, there it is! Jesus set the example of giving thanks for what He HAD… God worked a miracle, and there was more than enough. Imagine that: Jesus giving thanks when He didn’t have enough. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by what you are facing?

Fast forward to John 11, when Jesus visited a family whose brother Lazarus had just died. Yeah, Lazarus was a good friend. Here is where the Bible says Jesus wept (John 11:35). This time we find Jesus giving thanks outside the tomb of a loved one – right at verse 41, “And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank Thee that You hear me…” Some of you are missing loved ones at the table this Thanksgiving – nothing will replace that empty hole your loved one once occupied in your heart. But, oh the memories, the good times! And so we give thanks for what we have had! Our cups overflow!

And finally, let’s join Jesus on the night of His betrayal. He’s gathered in the upper room with His disciples where He takes a loaf of bread, and raises a cup, and at both times, He gave thanks (Luke 22:17-22). Picture that – giving thanks over the elements representing His very body and blood – His very LIFE! “Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the children of God” (1 John 3:1). Salvation springs because of His sacrifice! And so WE give thanks!

So maybe all’s not perfectly right in your world this Thanksgiving season. Maybe you didn’t achieve all your running goals for the year; or your times are off; or you suffered injury. In following the Master, we learn to give thanks in all things, “for this is the God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Yeah. Just do it.