What’s on your “to-do” list today? Do you want to do what God wants you to do? What is God’s will for you today? As you go to work or live out your retirement years, as you stay at home and raise the kids. Maybe you’re in the nursing home or hospital today; what does God want you to do? Three things should be at the top of your list: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Th 5:16-18).” Amen.
“Rejoice always.” Paul said this in other letters as well; “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice (Philippians 4:4).” Rejoice when the sun is shining and all is well, and rejoice in the desert and when storm clouds blow. This joy is not fickle, but it comes from God. It is the joy of Jesus: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).” It is the joy you can have in the midst of hard times. It is the joy of knowing God and your sins are forgiven and He loves you. “Rejoice always.”
“Pray without ceasing.” Always pray. Make your requests known to God and never stop. Do not lose heart. Consider the widow in Luke 18, who kept coming to the judge and saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while, he didn’t listen to her, but afterward, he said to himself, “This widow keeps bothering me, so I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.” That’s how we are to pray. Unrelenting. Persistent. No gaps. Continuing in strength. “Pray without ceasing.”
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” Always give thanks. When you get what you pray for and when you don’t get what you pray for. “When you get the bear or when the bear gets you – give thanks.” When there’s more month than money, when you are afraid and alone. What can you be thankful for in hard times? God hears your prayer. He will not leave you nor forsake you. He is a refuge and strength and a very present help in times of trouble. The Lord of hosts is with you, and you can give thanks. Give thanks for His mercy and love and praise Him for who He is. “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Th 5:16-18).” The world doesn’t understand this, but you are in Christ and can live this way. This is your to-do list today and every day. This is God’s will for you; no surprises. And may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it (1 Thes 5:23-24).