1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Did you read that? The will of God in Jesus Christ is for us to give thanks, rejoice, and PRAY without ceasing. I have people ask me all the time, what is the will of God for my life? I have asked the same question of my own life on a regular basis. What if it is not that complicated…what if the answer is give thanks in whatever situation you find yourself in, rejoice continually, and pray ALL THE TIME.
- Should I take this new job?
- Should I try this new thing?
- Should I take on more responsibilities?
- Etc, Etc, Etc…
If you are rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all things then whatever you decide in those or any other situation really isn’t the issue is it? I think God wants to do amazing things in the lives of his people. He wants to move in new, faith building ways but could it be that we are missing all of that because we are not rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks?
I know that this may not be an intellectually satisfying answer. When it comes to the will of God we want a sign, we want a voice from heaven telling us what to do next, or a divine 2 x 4 hitting us upside the head…at least I do (except the 2 x 4 thing). But could it be that God’s major concern for those who have chosen to follow Him is not what we should do next but what are we doing with what we have already been given.
Not just that, but when life stinks it’s easy for me to stop and wonder why is all of this happening? Why am I struggling when others who don’t love the Lord seem to be thriving? It’s easy to get discouraged, aggravated, or worse. But we are told to rejoice ALWAYS…even when what we are going through isn’t ideal or even good. We are told to pray WITHOUT ceasing…not just when things are going wrong and not just when everything is going great. We are told to give thanks in EVERY circumstance…not just when everything is roses.
No doubt this is an incredible challenge. But I want to take a step in this direction…care to join me?
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