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Daily Devotion — Choosing Gratitude in a Difficult Season
This may be the most unusual Thanksgiving season you’ve experienced. After a year of difficult changes that have affected everyone around the globe, it may be harder than ever to truly be grateful. But with God’s help, we can choose gratitude during Thanksgiving 2020.
A Year of Loss
This year has been a year of losses for many. Lost loved ones, jobs, and health. Lost opportunities to gather, celebrate, and worship. Loss of traditions, belief in institutions, and trust.
God knows our losses. He has been close to you when you suffered, whether you felt it or not. He collected every one of your tears in 2020 (Psalm 56:8) because you are precious to him.
But it is His will for you to give thanks in all circumstances, even the ones that are unusual and difficult.
Why is giving thanks God’s will for you? This directive in 1 Thessalonians 5 is part of a list of traits for Christian living. Paul writes that as Christians, we are to be sanctified (set apart and made holy) for God’s glory.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
