Day 24 - Thank God no matter what happens

What do you consider as ‘topical’? It may be those issues that are reported via the news, the big issues such as ongoing international conflicts, civil wars, migration. Technological and climate issues: the advancement (and concerns about) Artificial Intelligence, climate change, renewable energy, and impacts of severe weather. We are surrounded by constant news threads updating us on such topical issues that affect the world we live in. To some what is ‘topical’, is the day-to-day issues, that don’t attract widespread news coverage including keeping warm, paying for essentials, finding a job, managing illness and day to day caring for others.

After much speculation and political analysis, we will find out tomorrow what changes Chancellor Rachel Reeves will make regarding tax, welfare and other fiscal policy savings in the Autumn Budget. To many this is topical and in one way or another, will affect the lives of us all.

Whatever we consider as being topical, we are called as Christians to be thankful in all circumstances. Topical issues are not all doom and gloom that. unfortunately, many news feeds (including the BBC) seem to report. Sadly, little air time is given to what is going right in the world, those issues we can be thankful for.

I subscribe to Positive News. Each week, I receive the latest Positive News report via email, headed ‘What went right this week: the good news you should know about.’ It does require some commitment to read the various news articles but looking for the good news, be they small developments, innovations or achievements in our world, is so important. They provide hope.

We can easily become dragged down by the negative reporting of news and fail to see what good is happening. This week, the positive news reports included climate related news that the EU is to put climate on the curriculum in schools. In addition, whilst the world, sadly is off target to reduce emissions it is on track to meet renewable energy targets. Health related news to be thankful for included the discovery that the human heart can repair itself and Egypt has defeated the ancient disease of trachoma (infection blindness). Positive news also reports on small innovations that people have made that have made a difference to the lives of many. There is much to be thankful for.

In Paul’s 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read: “...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV). This verse can stand alone but to give it context, Paul is describing the ‘Day of the Lord’ and the second coming of Christ. He gives instructions to believers on how they should respond when all about them seems bleak.

In The Message translation we read: “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”

Being thankful and cheerful in all circumstances is hard, particularly when everyday life for many is a struggle for a variety of reasons. We are human and being thankful, or indeed encouraging others to be so in challenging situations, is difficult.

However, as Christians we are called to look out for those who are struggling, to bring some glimmer of hope. Living a thankful life for everyday blessings, the greatest of which is Jesus should spur us on. Even when we do not understand the events of the world around us, giving thanks for God’s goodness can help us find strength and peace.

Later this week, many around the world – particularly in North America - will celebrate Thanksgiving. Next Sunday we begin Advent – a time of expectation and hope. What can we do to be thankful people when the topics of the day are dominated by darkness, despair and division?

For all those moments when,

faced by difficult circumstance,

you have given us a word to say,

a wisdom that comes from you,

the touch that brings comfort,

a shoulder to lean on,

healing and compassion;

we offer this our thanksgiving prayer.

For all those moments when,

beset by doubt and uncertainty,

you have granted us a faith

that sees beyond the present

to a future that is glorious;

and humility to accept the help

that comes from others,

but ultimately from you,

we offer this our thanksgiving prayer.

Source: Faith and Worship

Cathryn Clarke