This is God's Will for You
This is God's Will for You
A reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)
How many times have you wished you knew God’s will for you? If I had a quarter for every time I wanted to know God’s will… I’d have a lot of quarters. A few times, the New Testament tells us directly, “This is God’s will for you.” One of those is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
God’s will for you (and for me) is to (1) rejoice always, (2) pray without ceasing, and (3) give thanks in all circumstances.
One thing that stands out is the all-encompassing scope of these commands. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. Everywhere, in everything, rejoice, pray, and give thanks. Not all circumstances are enjoyable. But God’s will for us is to give thanks in all circumstances, pleasant or not. Acknowledge God continually. Talk to him throughout your day. Thank him for the grace he provides every day.
If you belong to Jesus, he belongs to you. And that is enough.