“Be joyful 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
It’s hard to get round the implications of these amazing scriptures – being a Christian is a non-stop experience! The words always, continually, and in all circumstances are very clear in their meaning.
As a believer we always have a reason to be joyful – because whatever the external circumstances, the joy that comes from being in fellowship with our Saviour is an experience that bubbles up from within and enables you to push through whatever external pressures you might be going through.
And ‘pray continually’ needn’t be the impossible challenge some people think it is. For prayer from the heart is simply being there to talk to the Lord and for Him to talk with you, at any time and in any place. He never leaves us, so His ear is always bent towards us to listen to even the whispers of our heart.
And giving thanks in all circumstances can seem like a tough assignment – but take note of what these words actually say – they don’t say give thanks for all circumstances – but in all circumstances. You might be going through a really tough time right now when it seems as though problems and difficulties abound. But isn’t it incredible that whatever is happening, the Lord is with you in it! It’s easy to give thanks for the encouragement of His presence, the wisdom that flows from His heart when you need help, the guidance that He drops into our spirit and the blessing it is to be able to talk with Him anytime, any place!
The Apostle Paul had learnt that the only way to survive and be at peace was never to lose sight of the Lord and to always be in living touch with Him. It’s the key to everything – or, rather He is the key to everything!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You have promised never to leave or forsake us. Thank You that I can talk with You at any time and that the joy which comes from Your presence will never desert us as we keep our eyes fixed on You. Help me, Lord, to live the life of a non-stop Christian believer!. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.