50 Days of Prayer – Day 43
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“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Have you ever asked yourself what God’s will is for your life? It’s the most common question pastors get. The good news is that God reveals His will in His Word. As we walk in the light of His Word, He illuminates our path and guides us in the direction He has for our lives. Sometimes that path is unclear, and the choices are not between what is right and wrong but between what is good or best. But most of the time God’s will is so plain we don’t even have to ask Him what His will is for us.
The apostle Paul wanted the church in Thessalonica to know God’s will for their lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5, he writes what reads like a rapid-fire list of directives that reveal the will of God for them and for us today. If you want to know the will of God, he says this is it:
1. “Rejoice always …”
2. “Pray continually …”
3. “Give thanks in all circumstances ...”
These three directives take on a whole new meaning when you consider they were originally written to a persecuted church. Paul’s first mission trip to Thessalonica was short-lived. In Acts 17 Luke records that a riot broke out as he preached the gospel in that city and the infant church there had to quickly send Paul and his team off to Berea. Then he writes them shortly after leaving and gives them three simple qualities that reflect the will of God – joy, prayer and thanksgiving! This is not only the will of God, but it is the secret of being joyful even in the middle of great trial and suffering. It’s a choice to rejoice. We don’t have to be governed by our emotions or circumstances.
This kind of prayer is not situational or conditional. It’s an attitude of prayer that enables us to live in constant communion with Christ. Paul said it is God’s will that we give thanks in all things, not for all things. This is the kind of faith reflective of Romans 8:28 (NIV) where the Bible says, “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.”
When you love God and are called according to His purpose you can always rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances because you know you have a Heavenly Father who is in charge and loves you!
Practice these three qualities as you go throughout your day and cultivate the presence of God with you. Take confidence in knowing that you are doing the will of God.