1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

We have all been walking in difficult days these past 18 months and I have to ask myself, “am I walking in joy, always, despite what’s been going on in our world?”

The context of this verse has to do with a very young church (2 or 3 years old) and baby Christians coming under heavy persecution. I can imagine them questioning the phrases “be joyful always” and “give thanks in all circumstances.” Our joy, prayer, and thankfulness should not fluctuate with our circumstances or feelings. God wants us to learn how to have joy in the midst of trial because it’s the only way to come out of it unscarred and giving Him glory. He doesn’t ask us to have joy about our circumstances but instead find joy in the midst of them. What a tremendous testimony to an unbelieving world to see someone who has joy as they endure a terrible storm in his or her life.

I pray the prodigal will have opportunity to be thankful in the middle of the storm that may surround them. Let’s pray they learn great lessons about the joy of the Father.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

________, be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.