“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
What if we were to live lives full of rejoicing, prayer, and giving thanks?
Even on sorrowful stormy days, encounter our God, who gives us the ability to do as He wills – rejoice, pray, and give thanks.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul calls us to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Is it possible to always be rejoiceful during the hard moment’s life deals?
But how can we pray without ceasing when life is going full blast?
And what about the things we are not thankful for – do we still need to give thanks?
I know I have a hard time when I let my circumstances steal my joy. But when I am ready to lash out, steam with anger, or feel tempted to throw in the towel, I am learning that I can change my ingratitude to gratitude.
I can do as God asks by intentionally rejoicing and turning my focus to Him. How can I not be joyful in my loving Father’s gaze?
And by starting the day with prayer and keeping the conversation going, my day is moment by moment in the hands of the One who knows what is ahead.
I may have difficulty giving thanks for everything that happens in my life, but with God’s help, I can do as He commands.
As we ponder these questions, with the help of God, we learn that we can do as He commands.
- Rejoice always: When we realize our joy is not in our changing circumstances but in our unchanging God, we find that we can always rejoice. We learn that we can rejoice whether life is smooth sailing or rocky storms.
- Pray without ceasing: We can begin our day in prayer and, moment by moment, stay in an intimate fellowship with God. Our conversation with God begins in the morning, and we carry it throughout the day, ending as we close our eyes.
- In everything, give thanks: Give thanks in everything, the sweet and the sorrowful. Rest assured because God is sovereign and in control of all.
- For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you: We risk disobedience if we do not follow God’s command to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything, give thanks. But do not worry. Because this is God’s will, we are given the ability to do what He commands.
We may not know what God is doing in our lives, but we do know He is working all things out for our good. (Romans 8:28).
So we pray without ceasing and give thanks. We rejoice because we know that our good God only makes good things for His good people, and we as believers are those good people.
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Wonderful post, Deborah! Isn’t it a blessing to think we can start a conversation with God in the morning, and continue throughout our days? I was just pondering this morning about His Presence with me in the moments of my day, and how He never puts me on hold, or makes me wait, but is generous with His time and love for me every moment of the day!
Donna, my life changed when people are prayer became a conversation with God. It centers us in His love. God is so generous!!! ?
Deborah, I loved this post. The Charles Spurgeon quote is a powerful one to ponder this afternoon. Putting it in reverse was eye opening >>> when joy & prayer are divorced the result is ingratitude. So very true. Best to stay married 🙂
Hi Joanne, I had thought of putting his quote into reverse! And yes best to stay married. Thank you for your insights – more to ponder!!!
I needed this reminder today, Deborah! What a difference it makes when we are gazing in His face giving thanks!
Lisa, thank you for reading. And yes when I turn to give thanks even in my difficult places He grants me joy.
I love that our joy is not in our unchanging circumstances but in our unchanging God. Thanks for this reminder. Hugs
I love this too! Thank you for visiting and I am happy this resonates with you. Much love.
I LOVE starting my mornings with God and staying with Him throughout the day. I notice even when it’s hard and I still cultivate thankfulness it’s keeps me on the right perspective— gratitude. Thanks for the encouragement! ??
Traci, I am happy you found encouragement. I love that God gives us a way to be with Him all day.
Expressing gratitude is a habit we must build (and conversely, whining and complaining are habits we must replace). Thank you for the encouragement!
Anita, this is so true! We can grumble when we are rejoicing! I am happy this encouraged you. God knows just what we need and I am so grateful.