Find your thankful

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Have you had trouble finding your “thankful” this year? If so, you aren’t alone. With a pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, murder hornets (were those actually a thing?), racial conflict boiling over, and political divisiveness, leading to business failures, employment insecurity, financial issues, arguments, protests, death, social distancing, and the inability to seek comfort and camaraderie in our usual places, many have felt anxious, angry, confused, and fearful. And that’s before we even get to those who experienced actual loss of health, life, or livelihood during this long, dark season.

I recently learned that it is physiologically and neurologically impossible for the emotions of gratitude and fear to co-exist in the human brain (neuroscience-of-gratitude article). In other words, focusing on reasons to be thankful actually inhibits negative emotions. In addition to being God’s will, gratitude is good for us! But how do we flip the switch in favor of gratitude? Are we just whistling past the graveyard when we choose to be thankful “even when”? By doing so, are we minimizing the very real suffering of people who are grieving real losses?

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, 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. –Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NIV)

Let me be clear: I’m not proposing we put on our rose-colored glasses and pretend all is well. We live in a fallen world that seems like it isn’t done falling. I am proposing that we raise our sights and get a better perspective. There is much to be thankful for, even in seasons where we have to look harder to find it.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…. –Isaiah 43:1b-3a (NIV)

Notice that there is no promise in these verses that God’s people will be spared from passing through the deep waters or the burning flames. The promise is that we are never alone. Though the words of the prophecy are addressed to the nation of Israel, we are not wrong to appropriate the principles for ourselves as His children – we belong to God, and He does not abandon His own. He is sovereign. He knows what He’s doing. We will be OK.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. –1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

For a reminder of all the “little things” we still have going for us, spend ten minutes on this presentation from renowned videographer, Louie Schwartzberg: TED Talks - Louie Schwartzberg: Nature, Beauty, Thankfulness. Blessings, y’all!