In Everything 1

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This has been a very trying year. There have been so many things that want to tear us down. The death of a child and the death of a friend. The loss of loved ones, the end of marriages, the lack of rain, and then a flood. On television we saw a bridge collapse and wildfires ravage California.

Sometimes it seems like the world is coming to an end and we can't imagine going on. Yet, here, at the end of Paul's letter to the church at Thessaloniki, the oldest writings in the New Testament, are these simple little instructions. Be joyful. Pray continually. In everything give thanks.

We know, from the previous chapter, that they had lost many of their brothers and sisters to death. Paul mentions it starting in verse 13. So it wasn't as though they were untouched by grief and pain themselves.

But still, he urges these early Greeks to find joy--to pray continually--and to give thanks in all situations.

There is an important distinction to be made here. Every moment of our lives are not filled with joy. But we must remain joyful in every situation because our joy does not come from what surrounds us, but from what God has done for us. It is through continual prayer... constantly seeking the face and will of God, that we are able to have HIS joy in all situations, even those that are far from joyful.

And it's the same with thankfulness. We may not be thankful for every situation. But we must be thankful IN every situation. Not for what is happening in the world around us--no one is thankful for death and destruction. But we must remember to be thankful to God for His goodness in EVERYTHING, for this is His will.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Since today's passage is so short, I am asking that you read it again, but from the Amplified Version:

16Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);
17Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];
18Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].