1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – 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.
Rejoicing, praying, and being thankful to God; Paul tells us that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. How are we doing in this? These aren’t natural things that you can just conjure up or do better. These are things that are produced by “abiding in Christ” – that is, being mindful of Him in any and all circumstances, practicing a discipline of prayer, and speaking His words to yourself (…and to others as appropriate!). Because we have been redeemed by Jesus and now live united with Him, we can rejoice – oftentimes despite our circumstances. He is the one mediator between God and men. He has opened the pathway for sinners like you and like me to be able to communicate with the sovereign God of the universe through prayer. This is something that we didn’t earn or deserve but was – and is – His free gift to us. We recognize that what we deserve is His eternal punishment but what we get is Jesus’ unceasing mercy. Constant recollection and awareness of this truth are the means by which the Holy Spirit produces a heart of gratitude and thankfulness. As you press more into Jesus Christ as your treasure, rest, comfort, and sufficiency, God grows in you a content heart in your circumstances to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all things and at all times. Something to think about…
As I think about the circumstances of my life right now (health, job, finances, relationships, etc), how has God given me cause to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks to Him?