Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NABRE
Paul’s quoted verses show the Christian how to live in line with the will of God; rejoice, pray and be thankful. A follower of Jesus is joyful in all things. In good or bad, in happiness or sadness, in joy or sorrow, even in suffering. Living in faith nothing can take away our joy. If we truly want to live for God, we will never lack cheer. Our life of prayer will bring cheer into all that is happening in our lives. Through prayer we cleanse ourselves of any unhappiness and go deeper into the will of God. Jesus showed how He would always go off and pray and we should live that example. But, we should also consider all of life as a prayer. We should try to live in the presence of God morning to night, night to morning, even when we sleep. In this way we pray without ceasing. Additionally we will be in constant contact with God and God in constant contact with us. We know that in everything God works for our good, especially for those who love Him. Therefore, for all we receive from God we should be thankful. With our joy and prayer we should be grateful for God in our life. In God we will always find joy and the way to peace. It is God who we must thank for these.
If we follow Paul’s advice, we will always be joyful, always present to God and have a heart of gratitude. This is the life of a Christian following the will of God. We may think there is more we want but with these three, we could live a full and satisfying life. In every moment of your day, rejoice, pray and be thankful.
Do you find ways to pray doing normal tasks? Can you find joy even in failing or suffering?
If we follow Paul’s advice, we will always be joyful, always present to God and have a heart of gratitude. This is the life of a Christian following the will of God. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #joy #prayer #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways