You Ought to Rejoice! Pray! And Give God Thanks!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Oh, what a blessing to be a child of God! Yet on this Christian journey not every day is a day of sunshine. Sometimes dark clouds hang over our lives from the trials and tribulations we suffer, but because we put our trust in the Lord, we remain encouraged and are able to persevere in spite of the circumstances.

Paul strongly encourages the church of Thessalonica to live holy, using a variety of short commands such as rejoice, pray, and give thanks  in verses 16-18 to stress the importance of our Christian duties. We are first commanded to “Rejoice evermore” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). We may face many problems that seem insurmountable in our homes, our churches, the workplace, throughout our communities, and etc. But we can make it; persevere and keep rejoicing in the Lord. Rejoicing is always suitable because it will help us take your mind off our situation and stayed on the Lord.  “Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12, AMP).

Next he commands us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Be persistent in prayer. A believer must have a regular and consistent prayer life. We have the ordained right to pray. Here is one example of the many reasons why we should pray. Timothy urges believers to, first of all, make supplications, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority (husbands, men in general, Pastors, Presidents, governors, mayors, officers of the church, principals, teachers, judges, police officers, and so on. Why are believers to pray for all those in authority? We pray so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (1Timothy 2:1-2, paraphrased).

Lastly, Paul commands us to be thankful. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). No matter what the situation is God’s will is that those of us in Christ Jesus give Him thanks in everything continually. No matter what our circumstance give God thanks -in times of joy and sadness, increase and decrease; on the street corner or on the bed of sickness.

 Always rejoice, pray, and give God thanks. We should continually thank and praise Him for life and redemption. “He so loved the world, that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).