This is God’s will

READ: Jeremiah 29,30; Psalms 110; 1 Thessalonians 5

SCRIPTURE:  1 Thessalonians 5: 16 Rejoice always,
17 pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION: Nowadays, people love to share single-line quotes and greetings on WhatsApp and social media. People say “short and sweet” messages are more appealing than longer ones and make sense. Here, Paul gives such brief instructions to the Thessalonian believers. Verse 16 is the shortest in the Greek New Testament. People used to say, “we cannot do all things at all times.” But Paul writes about three things we need to do “always,” “continually,” and “in all circumstances.” Paul’s commands deserve our attention; they are useful for our practical Christian life. Some may think it is impossible to do these three things. God will never ask us to do something that we cannot do. Apostle Paul writes to Philippians, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phil.4:13). Through Christ, we can do all these three things.  

How shall we rejoice always? Does it suggest that we should hide or suppress our feelings and emotions? No. Rejoicing always means our joy does not depend on our circumstances; we can always rejoice in the Lord regardless of our situation (Phil.4:4). He is the source of our joy. Thessalonian new believers were going through persecutions and sufferings. Paul’s words would have reminded them of Jesus’ teaching, “Rejoice and be glad” (Mt.5:11,12; Lk.6:22,23). Gal.5:22 says joy is the fruit of the Spirit. When we walk by the Spirit, we can always rejoice.

When we think of prayer, our prayer customs or activities like bowing our heads, closing our eyes, folding hands, and kneeling come to mind. In prayer, we speak and commune with God. Jesus taught us that we should “always pray and not give up” (Lk.18:1). Unceasing prayer refers to an attitude of prayer than a prayer activity. We can always and from anywhere pray to God. Like we breathe, we can pray to God continually.  As Christians, we should not stay in a place where we cannot pray. Our continual prayer reflects our relationship with God. The more we pray, the more we rejoice in the Lord.

Spurgeon says, “When joy and prayer are married, the firstborn child is gratitude.” We do not need to accept everything in our life as our karma or destiny. Instead, we can thank God for everything. Thanksgiving is good medicine for our worries and anxieties. Apostle Paul says, “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col.3:17). When we thank God for everything, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and power over our life.  Many Christians eagerly want to know God’s will for their life. Here Paul says, “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As we continue to do God’s general will for his people, we will know God’s personal will for us.

APPLICATION:  I can rejoice in the Lord always. As I depend on the Lord for everything, I will maintain a continual relationship with God through prayers. I thank God for every blessing I receive from him. Jesus is the greatest blessing of my life.  Fulfilling God’s will by doing these three things gives me great joy.

PRAYER:  Father God, thank you for the joy you give me in the Lord always. Holy Spirit, help me to pray continually and be thankful for everything. Lord, strengthen me today to live according to your will. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

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