Keep Thanking God

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

There are many things in life we may not understand. But we can understand this verse, and know that God gave these instructions for our benefit, to help us -- not because God is so insecure that He needs constant thanks.

When bad things happen, what should we do? Will it help to gripe and complain and feel sorry for ourselves? No. That only makes things worse. When bad things happen they seem to contradict belief in the goodness and care of God. But we must remember that there is an enemy, the devil, who is out to steal our faith, our peace, and our joy.

We are commanded in Scripture to resist him, staying strong in our faith. Giving thanks is a powerful way to resist the devil. Even when we do not understand, and it seems like things are out of control and going downhill fast -- we should force ourselves to stay in faith and be thankful. (I am not saying God is responsible for evil, or to thank God for evil. Instead, I am saying we can thank God for what He is doing, and what He has already done for us in the sacrifice of Jesus -- no matter what may be happening.)

Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

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