In Everything Give Thanks

People often say that they really want to know God’s will for their lives. Here’s a verse that plainly states what God’s will for you is, in Christ Jesus: ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, NKJ).

How do we rejoice always? We’re to live ‘one day at a time’. We’re given enough grace for this day to live for Him. Sometimes I’m rushing around with a ‘to do’ list as long as my arm, when suddenly I remember, I’m living my life today. I should be rejoicing – living in His deep joy.

I read once, that if you want to know how rich you are, make a list of all the wonderful things you have that don’t cost any money. I began to think of the great Salvation, love and mercy that are mine, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and what a Friend I have in Jesus. There’s the family God’s given me, my grandchildren, relationships with friends, and my wonderful Christian brothers and sisters. He’s given me gifts of art and music and an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The list is endless. I have so much to rejoice in.

How do we pray without ceasing? As we go about our day we can breathe our prayer to God, committing our thoughts to Him as we go. It doesn’t even have to be by spoken words. We can pray without ceasing by including the Lord in our thoughts and actions. We can pray with our hands as we make or do something. Billy Graham’s wife had a notice over her kitchen sink saying: ‘Divine Service performed here three times a day!’ Or it could be even a whisper of ‘Lord, please help me’.

How do we give thanks in everything? As we go through our day, continuing our living conversation, we can be thanking Him in what we go through. Our verse says, in everything not for everything. We can thank Him for being with us in our situations, giving us strength to meet our needs and grace to meet our difficulties. We can give thanks in pain and in joy. This is His will for us in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, Please help me to remember to be in a ‘living conversation’ with You and to go through this day, with thanksgiving in my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.