1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - ¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

What a challenge Paul poses to the Thessalonians in the closing of his first letter to them! ‘Be joyful always‘…that’s a tough proposition for anyone…but should it really be for a true Christian? We have had the ultimate sacrifice paid for us while we were still sinners! We were facing eternal damnation in the lake of fire…and were rescued. Isn’t that reason enough to awake each morning in joyful celebration?!?

Pray continually. I have good days and bad days in this department. I might be the opposite of some people, but I find my self feeling closer to God during the positive in my life and having a strong relationship during those times. During stressful and busy times, I basically can’t find ‘time’ for God, and my prayer life suffers. Really, it should be the opposite.

Give thanks in all circumstances. All circumstances?…Surely he can’t mean this. I mean there are times when you shouldn’t give thanks, right? Like if somebody dies. Why would I thank God for that? This is where we need to take a lesson from Job. ‘The Lord gives and the Lord taketh away…Blessed be the name of the Lord’. In all things we can find a reason to be thankful. When someone leaves us…it’s not permanent. We’ll see them again. Also, we were privileged with being able to know and love that person. We can thank God for all the amazing memories we were able to make. No matter the circumstance, there is something to be thankful for.

Prayer

Father,

I come to you today, joyful in the life You have given me, the blessings You shine on me everyday, and the numerous opportunities I’m given each day to serve Your purpose. I am thankful for all the challenges and joys that each of these brings me. I thank you for the breath I am taking right now. Use each of them to Your glory.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 – ¹²Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ¹⁴And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. ¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; ²⁰do not treat prophecies with contempt. ²¹Test everything. Hold on to the good. ²²Avoid every kind of evil.