SCRIPTURE:
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
OBSERVATION:
What college should I attend? Where should I work? Who should I marry? What should I do about…with every big decision in life I’ve found myself going on a journey to discover “God’s Will". I would take weeks to pray and seek out His Will, and if I were honest, there were times where I’m not sure I ever heard an answer. Things always worked out, so it never bothered me much, but today this passage got me thinking,
“Seeking God’s Will is so much more than individual moments and decisions.”
Today, if you want to know God’s Will for your life look no further than this passage.
Paul is writing a letter to the church he founded in Thessalonica, and he pens these words “…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” The perfect directives from the very heart of God to know how you can be sure you’re in God’s Will:
Rejoice Always
Pray Continually
Give Thanks in all circumstances
Now, you might be like me where you think that sounds a little too simple, but our reality is that these things are much easier said than done. When’s the last time I was negative? Sounds like I chose that over rejoicing. When’s the last time I worried? Sounds like I chose that over praying. When’s the last time I complained? Sounds like I chose that over giving thanks. None of these directives are based on my emotions, or desire, or circumstances; rather they are portrayed as “always, continually, all”. More often than not my rejoicing is based on how good I felt that day, my praying is based on how bad things were that day, and my giving thanks is based on how many good things happened that day. They are each based on the day’s happenings rather than on God’s Will and on me rather than Him. I can rejoice, not because everything is perfect but, because He is Perfect, I can pray, not because I am overwhelmed but, because He is over all things, and I can give thanks, not because I get all that I want but, because He is all that I need.
APPLICATION:
Today, I’m grateful for this renewed perspective on God’s Will. It isn’t merely something I seek when I need to make a big decision, but it’s something I should pursue at all times. God’s Will is for me to rejoice and praise Him for the many blessings He gives, God’s Will is for me to pray and talk with Him continually that I might be surrendered to Him, and God’s Will is for me to give thanks regardless of the things I face. When I am able to pursue His Will this way, daily, I’m sure His Will in the big decisions will be much clearer!
PRAYER:
Jesus, today I choose…I choose to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks no matter what I’m feeling, facing, or confronted with. Thank You for reminding me that I can do these things because You’re in control, You’re greater, and You’re with me. In Your Name, Amen!
