Have you ever prayed, “God, show me Your will” Often it’s in the context of a job we have been offered, a move we are considering or even an investment of time or money we may be making. It is good, and even wise, to ask to hear from God in these situations. While God is interested in all aspects of our lives, He is always calling us to look at the bigger picture. He’s put in His Word, the answers we are seeking. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us,
Rejoice 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)
God’s will sounds pretty straight forward.
Rejoice always. The definition of always is: at all times; on all occasions; every time, each time, consistently, invariably, without fail, without exception, regularly, repeatedly, habitually, unfailingly, infallibly, and inevitably. Imagine that. How wonderful to be someone who is constantly in a state of rejoicing.
But God wants more for us than that. He also wants us to be continually in prayer. Continually means, without interruption, constantly.
Wait! There’s more! He wants us to be able to give thanks in all circumstances. In this case, all means everything. We are to maintain an attitude of gratitude no matter what is happening in our lives and what is going on around us.
Imagine what that would look like. A person who, at all times, and on all occasions, without fail or exception, is always rejoicing. A person who is talking to God constantly, uninterruptedly, and who is able to see something to be grateful for no matter what is happening in their life. That person is meant to be you and me.
Without God, Verses 16-18 are impossible, but God never asks us to do something without Him. Holy Spirit lives inside each one of us. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit who lives on the inside of us, to come and live on the outside of us as well.
Let us choose to be who God says we are created to be – joyful, prayerful, thankful people who represent God well. Let’s willfully predetermine to choose joy no matter what. To set our affection on God, continually communing with Him, and regardless of circumstance, purpose to speak out thanksgiving to our great and amazing God who gave His all for us. This is our act of worship.
Prayer
Amazing God,
Your Word is truly a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Let Your Word do a deep work in us so that we will be a people who accurately represent You to this hurting world. May our joy be a salve to its pain, may our prayers be a solution to its problems, and may our gratitude to You, inspire hope where hope has been lost. In Jesus name we pray amen.