Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When we read this entire chapter, more depth and meaning can be found in these verses. That’s what I love about God’s Word, it always provides so much value which enriches our lives.
This chapter begins by telling us, we do not know when the Lord will return. So we are to strengthen our brothers and sisters in Jesus. We are to keep the church alive and strong.
Then we are reminded to rejoice always.
Always be thankful for what you have in life, even if it’s only a little.
Do you know why?
There is someone else out there with a lot less than you. So be thankful for your family, your health, your job, and the roof over your head. These are the basics of life, but they make us so very rich in spirit.
Then we are reminded to pray without ceasing.
Always keep your Heavenly Father on your mind. Talk to Him, tell Him you love Him, and ask Him to direct your paths through life. Meditating on God and the Bible will help you make better decisions in life. So stay focused on God.
Lastly, in all things give thanks.
This really goes back to “rejoice always” in my mind. Always thank God for everything in life. Personally, I always give God credit for every blessing that comes in my family’s direction.
Hey, you go to work and you bust your hump. Maybe you are rewarded with a pay raise or a new position. You did the work, but you stayed focused on God, and you asked Him to direct your path, right?
Study and news with a fresh Christian perspective in your inbox.
So then, give God the credit, and you get the blessing.
It honors God and will keep you humble.
I want to touch a bit more on “giving thanks.”
How many of us say a prayer before meals?
That was always the norm in the Christian culture, but how many of us adhere to it today?
As our nation and world continue to become less Christian, it seems like worldliness has taken its toll on Christianity as well.
So don’t let the world steal that from you and your family. I think mealtime prayer is a really important aspect of our faith. Remember, “in all things give thanks,” especially our daily meals. Our children take note of this, and it helps to build their Christian character.
So in all things, give thanks and honor God.
Do you know why?
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalms 118:24