#TuesdayTruth 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

It is easy to rejoice when we are living in a period of a time when all is going well in our lives:

  • When you just found out you got into that great college/graduate program,

  • When you got the job you were hoping for, or an unexpected raise,

  • When everyone is happy and healthy.

It is not nearly so easy to rejoice in our low times:

  • When you worked hard for something, but it just does not work out,

  • When you find out about a frightening health issue that you or a family member will be facing,

  • When you lose a loved one,

  • When disappointments seem to hit you one right after another, after another.

This scripture is clear- we are not told to rejoice when we are in our “happy place” and feeling great, when all is right with our little world. No. We are told to rejoice ALWAYS, to pray CONTINUALLY, to give thanks in ALL circumstances (ALL)!

We have to keep our focus steadfast on the One who gives us reason to rejoice always. None of this is dependent on our earthly, right-now, circumstances. It is dependent on the One who will never fail us.

He was the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He was good then. He is good now. He will be good.

If we are believers, then even if EVERY other thing in our day-to-day is going wrong, we have a reason to rejoice. THAT is joy!

Heavenly Father,

Thank you the giving us a reason to ALWAYS be joyful. Thank you for this reminder in your word. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit, our comforter. Thank you for being available to us- to talk, to cry, to mumble somewhat incoherently (knowing that you still know what it is we are trying to say), and sometimes to even just sit quietly together.

We love you,

Amen.

Drew Gonzalez