REJOICE ALWAYS

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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

People often say that they really want to know God's will for their lives. Here are three verses that plainly state what God's will is for us in Christ Jesus: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." How do we always rejoice to live moment by moment, one day at a time. We're given enough grace for this day to live for Him. Sometimes we're rushing around with a to-do list as long as our arm, when suddenly we remember that we should be rejoicing and living in His deep joy.

I read once that if you want to know how rich you are, make a list of all the wonderful things you have that don't cost any money. I began to think of the great salvation, love, and mercy that are ours, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and what a friend we have in Jesus. There's the family God's given us, our children and grandchildren, relationships with friends, and our wonderful Christian brothers and sisters. The list is endless. We have so much to rejoice in.

How do we pray without ceasing? As we go about our day, we can breathe our prayer to God, committing our thoughts to Him as we go. It doesn't even have to be by spoken words. We can pray without ceasing by including the Lord in our thoughts and actions. We can pray with our hands, as we make or do something. Or it could even be a whisper to the Lord: "Please help me." How do we give thanks for everything?

As we go through our day, continuing our living conversation, we can be thanking Him for being with us in our situations, giving us strength to meet our needs and grace to meet our difficulties. We can give thanks in pain and in joy. This is His will for us in Christ Jesus. Is there a constant awareness of our ups and downs? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone.

Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, spirit to Spirit, child to Abba, human with God. Thanksgiving and joy are the great reminders that we have been blessed, no matter what the outward circumstances imply!!!

Father, thank You for this day and the air we breathe. Lord, let Your abundant blessings be our family's portion today. Lord, please help us to remember to be in a "living conversation" with You and go through this day with thanksgiving in our hearts. Lord, give us a deeper appreciation and a more profound awareness of Your presence today. Lord, may our lives reflect the joy You have given us by saving us by grace, and may our hearts always find their home in You. Lord, use us to love others as You them today.

Father, we love You. Amen.