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.
Our Verse of the Day is passionate; and it gives us a very focused look at the will of God. Any of us can struggle from time to time with ascertaining the will of God in a particular situation or circumstance. All the more reason for us to spend time in prayer to discover His work in us to develop and grow our faith. Likewise, we need to spend time reading the Word of God to discover the specific information it provides to KNOW the will of God for our lives. This passage is one of them:
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ New King James Version
Always be joyful.Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. ~ New Living Translation
Be full of joy all the time. Never stop praying. In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus. ~ New Life Version
Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus. ~ Good News Translation
Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice, you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ. ~ Phillips New Testament
Celebrate always, pray constantly, and give thanks to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. (This is God’s will for all of you in Jesus the Anointed.) ~ The Voice
I thought it would be interesting, perhaps even helpful, to see additional translations of this verse. I like the nuances found in each one. And although there are variances in phrasing of the thoughts Paul expressed, I believe the meaning and its impact is unchanged. His three points are unmistakable:
1. Rejoice. Celebrate. Be full of joy at all times. Sing praise.
2. Never stop praying. Be in constant prayer. Do not cease to pray.
3. Be thankful regardless of the life circumstances in which you might find yourself.
Paul indicates that our situations or circumstances do not matter. It is the will of God that we take these three actions in all circumstances. And I believe if we would commit to these practices, our faith would grow by leaps and bounds! So, regardless of those things that trouble us … or challenge us … or give rise to anxiety or fear, we know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is greater than our circumstances. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Cf. Romans 8:28)
My friends, the Father invites us to take refuge in Jesus; to rejoice in Jesus; to abide in Jesus; and to have grateful hearts. Indeed, these are the spiritual disciplines of those who seek the will of God for their lives in Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that we always endeavor to fulfill His will in us.
So Now You Know…
Have a Blessed Day!
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:8-11
So Now You Know 