READ: 1 Thess. 5: 8-22
Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thess. 5:16-18
At the end of the epistle to the Thessalonians there are a number of exhortations to a living faith. A living faith is one in which you are always connected to God in all things. In our text, the call is to always be happy and grateful in everything, under all circumstances. That seems to be an impossible task for weak people, but the text also states that we must “pray without ceasing”.
This sets up the connection between prayer and rejoicing. In our prayers we have a covenant relationship with God the Father, and through Christ’s atonement and intercession, we may always and under all circumstances come to the throne of grace. We may present all our needs to Him, dedicate everything to Him, and at the same time thank Him for everything. A great privilege! We may always be confident with our Covenant God and Father in Heaven! This is cause for joy and gratitude, even when there is sadness. The Lord wants us to constantly express this in our prayers, to honour and praise Him for what He does for us.
Man is naturally self-centred, but the Lord teaches us very differently. He wants us to focus our whole lives on Him. That is the meaning of: “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. God’s will here refers to His good pleasure, His counsel. God’s will is that in Christ, in communion with our Savior, we have a confidential relationship with Him. He wants us to always know Him in everything, rejoice in Him, and give thanks to Him. Thus, our daily life on earth can be pleasing to Him. In order to do that, we must also pray for the Holy Spirit to help us with our prayers.
Is joy also part of your life of faith?
Singing: Ps. 40:7