1 Thessalonians 5 - 3.8.24
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
”Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“
Observation:
Paul is giving a final message to the Thessalonians. He stresses 3 things after talking about Jesus’s return and listing a bunch of do’s and don’t’s. All of those are good, for example honoring those who are serving.
The three things are:
😍To Rejoice-feel or express great delight. Not some of the time, but always.
🙏🏻Then pray continually -not just when you have a need, but stay connected with God seeking his plan and guidance throughout your day.
🙌🏻 Finally give thanks in all circumstances. Boy, there are times it is hard to be thankful. However, when we look we can always find a reason. No matter what God is walking us through the situation it may be hard to be thankful for with us. That is a huge reason to give thanks.
Paul says all of these things are God’s will for us, not suggestions or a good thing to do.
Application:
How do I rejoice always? This is the hardest one for me. I still could use some work on praying continually and giving thanks. I know how important God’s best is and the way to discover it and walk it out is prayer. Also, the last few years I’ve learned the benefits of gratitude and God has helped me learn to look for the good in all. I can usually find something. But to walk around delighted in everything. 🤷🏼♀️
However, God just dropped the answer in my heart. I’m not delighting in my circumstances, I’m delighting in Him!
I can walk around with joy knowing He’s with me. Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Thank you for the incredible truth that I always can be delighted and have reason to rejoice because you are with me. Please help me walk in this joy that can flow to others as I go throughout my day.
Please help me not fret, but pray. May I not move forward, make a decision, or do something without first seeking your will and your hand. Then, I can give thanks in all things because I have the assurance you are with me and am moving in my life and those around me. Thank you for the incredible joy you give!
You are listening and want to reveal your plan. I am so grateful you are always by my side! Amen
Pastor Gary led a new song at the District Gathering. Since then I have been hearing it on the radio, KLOVE 100.3 and my Alexa music. It goes perfectly with these verses. Here’s a YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/f2oxGYpuLkw?si=opEZ9Cvpv6yOi_zY
- Cindy Howard
