10 things I am thankful for right now:
- The presence and promises of the Lord. The hope He gives me, as a believer trusting in Him and following Him. My sins are forgiven through Jesus and He has given me the promise of eternal life. What a hope when life is fragile!
- This lockdown can only be good for the environment. I’m not a scientist and I honestly don’t know all the facts about environmental issues, but it’s surely a good thing that the world is getting a break from so much pollution and so many harmful fumes.
- What a blessing to have a government who are seeking to do their best for us, and have even made provision for exercise out of doors. It’s not a perfect situation, I know, but walks are truly a gift right now.
- God provided me with a family to live with through this time. JP and Angie (and sweet little Anna) have opened their home to me and I’m so grateful not to be alone.
- I have a purpose and can make a difference for people in real need. As others in my team help people facing the possibility of starvation in lockdown, I have the privilege of helping others help them. And not just that. My Father hears my prayers. I can encourage others. There’s still something I can do.
- I know this is bad and I don’t want to take away from that, but it could have been so much worse. Some plagues in history wiped out a huge proportion of communities. Many have recovered and are expected to recover. The mildness of this compared to what it could have been is surely mercy.
- Many normal and joy-filled things are still possible, and more of a gift now than ever. Right now, I’m enjoying films, stories and knitting. Oh, and playing with a joyous five year old. Normal, refreshing and total gifts from God.
- It’s spring! So many times when I go for a walk, the world is so bright. Gleaming with promise. Birds going crazy with joy. Flowers blossoming everywhere.
- We have so much, in abundance. I have more than enough to eat… flowing clean water… a warm house… a soft bed… an abundance of provision.
- Even now, I know God is merciful. I don’t mean we should take that for granted. I’m sure this situation is a wake- up call. There’s a verse in the Bible that says this:
‘“Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel;
Because I will do this to you,
Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!”’Amos 4:12
Judgement is coming. That’s why we need a Saviour. The burden on my heart is that you need to prepare to meet God… before it’s too late.
This is a wake-up call because there is still mercy for those who come to Him, if you do it now, before it’s too late. Oh, there is abundant mercy available! I know from experience that there is so much grace in the Father’s loving heart for all who will turn to Him through Christ, coming to Jesus for His forgiveness through the cross, and surrendering to follow Him. The Lord’s mercy and goodness are astounding to me, and I know they are more than sufficient for coronavirus, and everything.
Yes, gratitude is really helping me through this time. And there is so much I can be thankful for.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Caroline Abblitt 