“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Bible encourages and commands the people of God to give thanks to our blessed and glorious Lord. Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness to God, however, should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings, but rather we should follow these three commands – rejoice, keep on praying, and give thanks.
When we do God’s will, we find it easier to be joyful and thankful. We cannot spend all our time on our knees, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude at all times. This attitude is built upon acknowledging our dependence on God, realising His presence within us, and determining to obey Him fully. Thus, we can pray frequent, spontaneous, short prayers.
Paul, in his writings, was not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us but continue to thank Him in everything. For instance, evil does not come from God, so we should not thank Him for it but when evil strikes, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and for the good He will accomplish through the distress.
Take a moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel thankful for the breath filling your lungs. Don’t wait for a special day of the year to celebrate and give thanks. Feel thankful every day for your ability to move, think, feel, and do. Psalm 136:1 (KJV) tells us, “Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good…”. What are your challenges today? Just cast all your cares to Him, be thankful, and wait for your answers.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank You for dying for me on the cross. I confess my sins to You, forgive me. Give me the strength to not sin anymore, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 95:1-3; 1 Timothy 1:12
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 131; 1 Peter 1; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Ezekiel 41; Ezekiel 42
