Scripture reading: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Observation: We can see in this verse what’s God’s will for us. This is one of the verses that expresses the will of God in our lives. We are commanded to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. Since, these phrases are not separated by a period then it should be interpreted having one thought. We rejoice in all circumstances – good or bad because we have prayed to God all our circumstances and on that basis we give thanks in all circumstances. Rejoicing always is an act of faith to our God who is in control even over the bad, hopeless, discouraging, dark, and trying times. Praying without ceasing acknowledges that God works through our prayers. As our Father, He wants His children to ask things from Him. And as good children, we should trust our heavenly Father because He doesn’t withhold good things to His children and He knows what is best for Him. He is infinitely wise and perfectly loving towards us and He is in control to bring about what He has meant for us. That’s why we could give thanks in all things – not just the good things.
Application: Let us be joyful in all circumstances even in hopeless, dark, discouraging, tiring, and trying times because God is our hope, light, strength, and shield. Let us pray and share to God all the struggles that we have, the needs that we want, our plans for the future, our worries, and our concerns. Always remember that our heavenly Father wants to listen to His children but we must also remember that our heavenly Father is perfect and His plans and His ways are higher than ours. So whatever He wills in our lives, we should thank Him for it because that’s what’s best for us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us more joy in You. May we rely on You more and express our trust through prayer. Whatever Your response to our prayers, may we give thanks to all circumstances because You know what’s best for us and You work all things together for our good and Your glory. Help us to be in line with Your will in our lives by being joyful, prayerful, and thankful in all things. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
By grace alone 