1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ for you.”
One of the meanings of rejoicing is to be glad. In every circumstance, we are to be glad, irrespective of what happens, whether things are going well or when everything is not going as expected. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (NIV). That means rejoicing makes us healthier.
Praying without ceasing, without stopping, is also something we believers must do. It helps keep our focus on the Lord while we continue to do things throughout the day. We should develop the habit of dedicating some of our time to the Lord, away in our secret places. But even while driving, exercising, walking or doing our home chores, we can still be praying, thereby staying spiritually connected to the Lord.
In everything, give thanks. “Paul was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us, but in everything. Evil does not come from God, so we should not thank Him for it.”(Life Application Study Bible). So, when something evil happens in our lives, we can be thankful for the Lord’s Presence with us and for the fact that He can turn something evil into something good, which only He can accomplish.
Be glad! Rejoice! Pray without ceasing! And in everything, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1). For this is the will of God in Christ for you. Amen!
