How Can Anyone be Thankful in 2020?

By Matt Watson

2020 is officially the worst year that has ever happened. This includes every year spent in junior high, all the years in medieval Europe during the black plague, and the time Rome was sacked by the Visigoths. In a year where we almost went to war with Iran, a global pandemic spread, stay at home orders issued, the economy weakened, multiple riots breaking out, police shootings, racial hostility, murder hornets, millions filing for unemployment, church gatherings suspended, the worst hurricane and wildfire season in history, and The Office leaving Netflix all combine to make thankfulness seem improbable.

Every year at the Thanksgiving meal my mother puts a pile of dry pinto beans next to an empty cup and makes everyone go in a circle and one-by-one share what they are thankful for. This year I suspect most of us will say we are thankful 2020 is almost over.

Thankfulness for the Gospel

When bad things happen we tend to have two responses. We either panic and breakdown, or try to bear our way through it with pure grit. One extreme focuses on weakness and hopelessness, and the other extreme focuses on crawling out of despair by your own will and actions.

However, for the Christian, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10). We acknowledge we need to move, but also that we can’t climb our way out on our own strength. We are called to meet every trial with joy (Jas 1:2), but not so that we would ignore the pain, or even avoid falling deeper into it, but because we have a greater source of joy than our circumstances. That source is Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despised the shame, and is seated in victory next to God the Father.

One of the things Jesus achieves on the cross is our imputed righteousness. What was Christ’s is now ours. Therefore, since the joy of the Father sustained him through the worst moment in human history, we who share in that joy are sustained and can endure through all the trials of 2020 and the years after.

Some really horrible things happened to people this year. COVID took lives. Family members were shot and killed by police, robbed of their dignity as image-bearers of God. Businesses had to close down due to shutdown orders from the pandemic. Looting and violence was seen across the country. People lost their jobs. These are not small things! And God cares for us as we experience all of these things, so much so that he gives us his only Son so that we may be rescued from eternal torment and be comforted in the present torment.

How to be Thankful This Year

Despite all of these things, there is much to be thankful for. The earth is still rotating and we still have seasons, even in Texas. While some may be alone, others will be with family. While some are struggling to survive, others are thriving. Even the air in your lungs is a gift. As silly as the pinto bean game is, it is useful because it helps reminds us what we have. Take a piece of paper and write down five things you can be thankful for. You will see the many ways God has provided and continues to provide for you, and in that we can have gratitude.

Next, rejoice in the Lord for what he has given you on that list. Praise him and worship him for his goodness even in tough times. Like the psalmist, when the cares of your heart are many, be consoled by the goodness of God (Ps 94:19). Let your thanksgiving be made known to the giver of all gifts.

Lastly, as your gratitude leads to worship, let it then lead to action and find a way to give back. Many volunteer at soup kitchens or host soldiers and servicemen and women in their homes on Thanksgiving Day. This is great! Do not stop there! Grow food for your neighbor. Make an extra meal for someone. Send an encouraging card to your child’s teacher. Give your time, talents, and treasure to the church that it may care for the community.

In a year that seems so grim, we have much to be thankful for. Every day we should thank God for the sacrifice of his Son, the victory over death we now share in his resurrection, and the hope of glory in eternity with him. Mark your Thanksgiving Day, and all of your days, with true gratitude.