Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Earlier this year I preached through the book of 1 Thessalonians.  As Paul brought that letter to its conclusion, he offered several pieces of advice we would do well to follow.  Actually, in chapter 5, verses 14-22 he gave us fourteen commands. They are not holy suggestions. They are commands.

            “Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient… do not repay evil for evil…  seek to do good, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophecies, test everything, hold fast what is good, and abstain from every form of evil.”  Some of these commands are negative, while others are positive. But all of them apply to every believer.  That means you and me.

            Let’s consider just three of them from verses 16-18. “Rejoice always.”  That means when things aren’t going well. Remember that Paul wrote this after he had been thrown out of Thessalonica for preaching the gospel. He said similar things to the Philippians while in jail. Paul followed his own advice. So I ask. Are you rejoicing?

            “Pray without ceasing.”  That means to be in a spirit of prayer in every waking moment.  You have work to do. This does not mean to stay on your knees and pray out loud 24/7. But still pray.  Listen to God. Speak to God (yes, in that order). Pray every chance you get.

            “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Not for everything, but in everything. God has been good, so we should give thanks. God has blessed, so we can give thanks. 

            Notice this.  When you don’t feel like rejoicing, rejoice anyway. When you don’t feel like praying, pray anyway. And when you don’t feel like giving thanks, give thanks anyway.  I truly believe doing these three things can transform your life.

            Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. Why? “This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  May God help you to rejoice, pray, and give thanks.  May He help me do the same.