Devotional: Giving Thanks in the Midst of COVID-19

This year has been an unusual year and probably one we would not likely choose to repeat.  

At first, personally, we did not know anyone with COVID-19 and it seemed to be mainly in California, New York, Italy, or other faraway places. Then, a friend passed away from COVID, and the experience changed our outlook on the virus sweeping the world!  It made it deeply personal. 

Today, the virus is getting closer with each day. More and more of our friends and acquaintances have either had or currently have COVID-19, and our prayer list continues to grow for our friends and their loved ones. 

So, during this season, how do we give thanks in all circumstances?

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

One of our congregants in our first pastorate in Pearl was an elderly woman who by the world’s standards, had nothing. She did not own a car. She had never married and had no children. Her humble home was very old but clean. She cared for her older alcoholic brother who lived with her. She literally had nothing…except trouble from her brother. 

But she loved Christ and loved the church. It was practically all she had to live for. Whenever you asked her how she was doing or how things were going, her answer was always the same, “Very well. Very well.”

So how does this story relate to today? Perhaps the elderly woman in the story can encourage us in how we frame our perspective of today’s circumstances.   As Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”  

We can respond by:

• Living each day in the present
• Not taking  any day or anyone for granted
• Living with the spirit of gratitude, 24/7
• Being loving and kind to everyone. 
• Being thankful to the Lord for all He has given you today
• Expressing gratitude and thankfulness to others along the way

Take time between now and Thanksgiving Day to make a gratitude list to remind you of all the things God has done for you...even the brevity of life. 

Written by WMU of Texas President Earl Ann Bumpus