Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks
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
It’s amazing how our attitude can change when we live with joy, prayer, and thankfulness. God is pleased and his pleasure is fed to us through the Spirit. The challenge is have a heart of joy, prayer, and thankfulness when we live in a fallen world where Satan is always causing things to take away our joy, our need for prayer, and our thankfulness.
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:17) We can rejoice always because we have eternal life. Knowing we have eternal life enables us to endure living in this fallen world because we know this life is temporary like a vapor. Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14) With eternity in our hearts, we can live with joy and thankfulness.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.(John 14:13) When we pray and our prayers bring glory to the Father, we know he hears our prayers and will answer our prayers — his way, his timing. Pray without ceasing implies that we commune with the Lord throughout our day with praise and thankfulness We request his guidance in ministry and in our worldly tasks. If we develop the habit of living in joy and thankfulness for our eternal life and for the Lord guiding us in the Spirit, we will be more content and our life will be more fulfilling.
Today, remember the Lord is with you and you have eternal life. Let your joy and thankfulness be reflected to others. A heart of joy and thankfulness is pleasing to the Lord and it shows your faith and love. Praying without ceasing shows that you depend on the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, fill my heart with joy and thankfulness so it will always be with me. Thank you for guiding me through the Spirit and for my home with you forever in Heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen