REJOICE, PRAY & GIVE THANKS

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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

Ever wondered what God's will is? It's this: that we rejoice, that we pray, and that we give thanks and that we do all these things all the time. Even though we are often reminded that God will complete this work in us, it can feel overwhelming. We're certainly not perfect at doing these three things continuously. Where does your heart live? That's what these verses are all about. It's about where we spend the most time with our hearts. Is there a constant awareness in your life that God is present?

Is He the unseen but always present companion in all your ups and downs? Or is God here when it is convenient and gone when things are busy, or we feel that everything is going okay? 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 we have been blessed no matter what the outward circumstances imply.

We are to live in peace with one another and are to counsel others against falling into worldly ways and careless living. We are to encourage the disheartened and help the weak. We are to be patient with our fellow man and seek to do good. We are to live godly lives in Christ Jesus, and we are also called to develop an attitude of rejoicing.

There are some things that need to be done repeatedly. Take laundry, for example. We wash our clothes, we dry them, we fold them, and then after we've worn them, we do it all over again. Wash. Dry. Fold. Repeat. And unless you don't mind walking around in dirty clothes, it's a process you will do at least weekly, right? Wash. Dry. Fold. Repeat. Wash. Dry. Fold. Repeat.

Among the many things that Scripture teaches us we should do as believers is to be joyful, to be consistent in prayer, and to be thankful. In other words, "Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. Repeat." Let us rejoice continuously and give honor to the God of our salvation for the great and glorious things He has done for us. We were dead in our sin but are now alive in Christ. We were hopelessly lost, but now we are gloriously found. We were doomed to a lost eternity, but now we are eternally beloved of the Lord. Therefore, let us rejoice evermore, and again I say, rejoice!!!

Father, thank You for this day and we praise Your Holy Name for all Your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all mankind. Lord, pour out Your abundant blessings over my friends and family today. Lord, thank You for being our Kinsman-Redeemer. Lord, we praise Your Name from this day forth and forevermore. Lord, thank You for being there, always. 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 our home in You. Lord, use my friends to be the light of Your love to all today.

Father, we love You. Amen.