“ Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Rejoice and give thanks! What is the object of our gratitude? Christ Jesus. Having a heart of thanksgiving is a way for us to worship God, to thank Him for saving us from sin and eternal separation from Him. But to be thankful in every circumstance, is that even possible?
According to Apostle Paul, who wrote this passage, it is not only possible; rejoicing is to be a consistent way of life for those who are in Christ Jesus. How do we give thanks continually? By unceasing and persistent prayers. This doesn’t mean we have to be on our knees 24 hours a day. Unceasing prayer is constant communication with God. While it helps set aside time each day to have quiet moments of focused prayer, we can “talk” with God continually throughout our day. This persistent prayer will help keep our minds focused, which can be difficult, especially in times of chaos. God desires for us to stay in constant contact with Him. This helps us remember why we are to rejoice. Because Jesus saved us from Hell, and we have heaven to look forward to. That’s a reason to be thankful!
A Touch of Grace:
What do rejoicing and thanksgiving look like to you?
What can you honestly thank God for, even in the most challenging circumstances?
Grace Application:
Rejoice in every situation, no matter the circumstances? Really? Why in the world would we rejoice when life is hard?
Let’s be honest; joy isn’t the typical response to pain and suffering. Saying “Woohoo!” when we receive bad news isn’t real, nor healthy. When we experience unexpected loss, rejection, illness, financial burdens, life in 2020 with COVID-19, our response isn’t to paste on a plastic smile and say, “I am so thankful for all the agony this is bringing.” No, we aren’t to rejoice in things that aren’t good, like death, pain (physical, mental, emotional), or job loss, or (fill in the blank). All these occur because of sin, and we are not to rejoice in sin.
We are to be thankful for Jesus, who will one day put all sin in its final resting place, Hell. Yes, for a little while (though it seems like forever), we endure the effects of sin. Still, a day is coming when all wrongs will be made right, death will be abolished, and those in Christ Jesus will experience life with no more sorrow, pain, or suffering. Knowing this truth will help us have a heart filled with gracious thanksgiving. Until He takes us home, rejoice in Him!
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I rejoice in You! You are good and worthy of all my praise. Forgive me when I become bogged down with (__________________), forgetting that You are in control and have a plan even in the midst of suffering. Help me, Lord, to be in constant contact with You, to pray about everything, knowing this is Your will for those in Christ Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for giving Your life for me so that one day I will be with You in heaven. Help me, Holy Spirit, to rejoice always. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God, so all doubt may be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, please contact me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**