Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
The saints in the New Testament churches did not have it easy at all. They were persecuted for their faith in Christ Jesus and rejected by the Jewish religious establishment. Many were arrested and some were killed for refusing to deny the name of Jesus. Yet, they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people (Acts 2:42 -47) Wow!
Despite their trials, these saints maintain their Holy Spirit glow and turn their adversities into opportunities for evangelism. They did not allow their hardships to steal their joy. Through all their hard times, they lived with glad and sincere hearts, praising God, and enjoying the favor of all people.
In today’s text, the writer exhorts believers to rejoice always. Because of our faith and trust in Almighty God, believers should always rejoice. We should not focus on our sufferings such that we do not rejoice. Sometimes we can be too focused on our storms and not see the shelter God has provided us to endure the storm. Although it is okay to share one’s burdens and struggles with other believers, we should proclaim the salvation of the Lord and His unfailing grace even more.
It is discouraging to talk to someone who is always discussing their burdens and struggles. Our faith and trust in God are evidenced by our willingness to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances. No matter what I’m going through, I want others to be encouraged by my Holy Spirit glow. Even when my world is seemingly falling apart, I rejoice in hope and remain patient in tribulation (Romans 12:12).
Believers should not live with a gloom and doom spirit. Just because things are difficult does not mean our spirits should be negative and depressed. We live in a very negative and sinful world. But the Bible reminds us that we are in the world but not of the world. We have to counter the negativity around us with our Holy Spirit glow. This is why it is so important for believers to be constant in prayer. Then we will smile even when we are sad; praise God even when we are in pain.
Most people are in search of hope, and need optimism. They want to hear what they can do through Christ Jesus and not what they cannot do because of the devil. Less we forget, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). That confidence is our testimony to a world living in fear and darkness.
One of the devil's greatest tricks is tempting believers to think they are weak and defeated. But the word of God says we are more than conquerors, and no weapons formed against us shall prosper. A negative spirit can suck the joy of the Lord from our souls and make us feel forsaken and broken.
On this day, I challenge you to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. Reject the invitation to anyone’s pity party. Celebrate the goodness of God in your life no matter the difficulties you face. Sing praises to God and let your smile brighten someone else’s day.
Questions for Personal Reflection
Why should the believer rejoice always?
How can you help brighten someone else’s day?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for the joy you’ve given me. Please help me to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances. Remind me of the victory I have through Christ Jesus so my Holy Spirit glow can show others the joy of having a right relationship with God.
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