Rejoicing, Praying, and Giving Thanks

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. –1 Thess. 5:16-18

The Christians in Thessalonica had undergone various trials in their day, including being accused before the city authorities of disloyalty to Caesar (Acts 17:5-9). Also, some members of the church recently had passed away (1 Thess. 4:13), which raised questions among those church members still living. How do we know Jesus hasn't abandoned us? Where exactly did our dear friends go when they died? Is walking with Christ an empty endeavor? What is God's will for us right now, anyway? Paul compassionately takes the time to answer their questions in his letter and to encourage them in their lives with Christ. In a nutshell, Paul explains whether we pass away or the Lord returns, "we will always be with the Lord" (v.17).

Right now, however, what is God's will for us? In chapter 4 of his letter, Paul tells the Thessalonians that God's will is their sanctification (4:3). Then, he picks up on this theme of God's will again at the end of the letter, saying, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances—for this is God's will for you..." (5:16-18).

So, part of God's will for our lives is rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. We rejoice that we will always live with Christ (4:17; 5:10). We pray about everything. We give thanks in all circumstances—both that God has showered us with many blessings but also that He is able to bring good things into our lives, even out of the bad. May we practice God's will by learning to rejoice and to pray and to give thanks!