"THANK GOD FOR CORONAVIRUS!"

This horrid headline assaulted my senses when I ran across it yesterday on the Internet. I’m not going to tell you where I found the article, because it doesn’t display a biblical perspective, and I don’t want to direct attention to it.

However, I do want to share biblical encouragement related to it.

Rejoice and Give Thanks in All Circumstances, Especially During Turbulent Times

Here's a wonderful relevant Bible passage for these turbulent times:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

What this verse means: This verse tells us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks IN all circumstances. It does NOT say we should thank God FOR all circumstances.

What this verse means for the current turbulent times of pandemic and social unrest: God does NOT command us to be thankful FOR the pandemic or other current national and global challenges, but He reminds us to cultivate gratitude and joy IN them.

What this verse means for you: God does NOT command you to be thankful FOR the all turbulent times in your own life—for example, the pandemic, racial issues, political differences, health challenges, death of a loved one, financial struggles, or relational strife—but He DOES remind you to remain thankful and joyful DURING those times.

Gratitude During Difficult Times Renews Our Faith in God’s Good Character and Purposes

Three ways gratitude renews our faith during difficult times:

1. Gratitude bolsters our confidence that God is ALWAYS good.

1 Chronicles 16:34: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

In the midst of pandemic and other turmoil, we need not fear that God has given up on us, forsaken us, or turned against us. He will always love us. God is good, all the time! And all the time, God is good!

2. Gratitude helps us remember that even difficult times are replete with God’s blessings.

James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

During difficult times, it’s easy to focus on what we DON'T have instead of on what we DO have. But even in the midst of pandemic, worldwide unrest, and personal pain, God’s blessings overflow.

3. Gratitude shifts our focus from the world’s problems to God’s good purposes.

Romans 8:28: We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

In times like these, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong with the world, our country, and our neighbors. It’s hard to imagine why God would allow coronavirus to happen. But God is always working for His good purposes in our own lives and all across the world.

Action Steps:

1. Thank God that He is ALWAYS good.

1 Chronicles 16:34: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Pray: “God, thank you that you are indeed always good!”

Pray: “God, thank you that your mercy is never-ending!”

Thank God for the specific ways you see His goodness and mercy even during these difficult times.

Thank God for the specific ways you have experienced His goodness and mercy.

Pray: “God, keep my confidence strong during these difficult times, that you are indeed always good!”

2. Thank God for His many good gifts and wonderful blessings.

James 1:17: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Pray: “God, thank you so much that every good thing in my life—all of my material blessings, everything good that’s ever happened to me, and all of my cherished family and friends—came from YOU!”

Thank God in detail for the blessings in your life—material blessings, how He’s worked in your life, and the people He put in your life.

Pray: “God, help me to remember how much you do indeed continue to bless me and everyone else, even during these turbulent times.”

3. Thank God that He always works out His good purposes in the world and in your life.

Romans 8:28: We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Pray: “God, often I don’t understand how you will work out your good purposes in all that’s happening in the world. But thank you that you will. Thank you for loving us so much.” 

Pray: “God, thank you that you give us the amazing privilege of working with you to accomplish your purposes in the world. Show me what you want me to do, and help me to do it!”

Thank God for the specific ways you see Him working out His good purposes in you, your family and friends, your country, and around the world.

Ask God what one specific thing He wants you to do this week to work with Him to accomplish His purposes.

Pray: “God, help me to remember and believe that you are always indeed working out your good purposes, especially when I see and hear things that make me think otherwise.”

By the way, I’ve blogged one other time about the COVID-19 pandemic, soon after the pandemic began. You can click here if you want to read it.

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