Joy, pray, give thanks
These verses form a trinity
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians5:16-18 (ESV)
1. Rejoice at all times
“Rejoice at all times” is a wonderful encouragement. There are many occasions and opportunities for joy, for example:
- vacations
- gifts
- hope for the future
- a sunrise
- the smile of a child
A good thought: Joy is a positive element that creates a sense of well-being.
And there you shall eat before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 12:7 (ESV
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 5:11 (ESV)
Psalm 5:11 (ESV)
...but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20b (ESV)
2. Never stop praying
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Jesus showed how important it is to pray persistently through the parable of “the judge and the widow.”
In a certain city there was a judge. A widow came to him day after day with her need: “Grant me justice!” For a long time he ignored her, but eventually he said to himself: “This woman gives me no peace. I must help her obtain justice, otherwise she may wear me out completely.”
And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Luke 18:6-8 ESV
The Word of God encourages us to stay connected with the highest authority. And if there is no connection, we should seek to reconnect with God.
3. Gratitude
At a conference, the question was asked: Who has the greatest satisfaction in life? Who are the happiest people? Among all possible answers, there was one defining characteristic: gratitude.
Grateful people are the happiest and most content. Gratitude has become their attitude toward life. The violin maker and author Martin Schleske writes: “Gratitude creates a sense of abundance. Ingratitude creates a sense of lack.”
“We decide in which world we want to live — in a world of abundance or in a world of lack.” Unfortunately, dissatisfaction is spreading in our world.
What should we do when we become aware of lack? We should pray and read God’s Word. In the Psalms, the psalmists often move from lamenting their circumstances to praising God and expressing gratitude.
It remains a lifelong task for us to grow more and more into a heart attitude of gratitude.
Dissatisfied:
- unfulfilled
- gloomy
- bitter
- feeling deprived
- having enough
- joy in the heart
- well-being
- gratitude
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Joy – pray – give thanks
