“18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
A verse that can easily be taken out of context and misunderstood. Bad things will happen. That’s life. But bad things happening, isn’t the will of God. “11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 is just one example that God only wants what’s good for you. Then why do bad things happen? Because we live in a world run by sin. God gave us this Earth as our home, but we gave the deed over to the enemy when Adam and Eve ate of the Forbidden Fruit. The Earth is no longer good. The world has corrupted it, so bad things will happen. But God’s will is that no matter what happens, you give thanks.
153,424 people die every day. As someone who recently lost a very close loved one, it would be a lot easier to be mad at God, myself, the world. It would be easier to become bitter and angry, but that’s not God’s will. Give thanks in all circumstances, not because they’re gone, but because of the time you had with them. The impact they made on your life. The love they showed you. The things they taught you. And the legacy they left behind. Be thankful even when it’s difficult.
When you are poor, but at least you have a roof over your head. When you are falsely accused, but still breathing. When you’ve lost everything, but still have your life. Give thanks. But don’t become complacent. Always strive for better, but remember to be thankful for what you have now so that when you have more, you can be thankful for that too.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Give Thanks.