Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Rejoice ALWAYS, pray WITHOUT CEASING, give thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. Oh my what a tall order! Always, without ceasing, and in all circumstances are all very daunting phrases that make you wonder, 'How on earth will I find time to do all of that too?!'

Take heart, for He tells how to do theses things in the very next verse. In Christ Jesus. What comfort those words bring for me! I know that I can accomplish His will of rejoicing always, praying without ceasing and giving thanks in all circumstances with His help.

There are two very important words at the end of this passage that I pray you do not overlook; 'for you'. I read them in two ways:

1. It is His will for you (me) to rejoice, pray and give thanks.
2. It is for you (me) that His will is to rejoice, pray and give thanks.

Still not clear on the difference? Number one means its something I need to do in order to be within His will. I'm following orders. Number two feels more like a gift. By rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances I am going to be happier. And I am going to return that happiness as praise and glory to God. What a glorious circle to be caught in!

By being thankful and rejoicing through prayer, I see everything as a gift. And any gift from God does not need to be modified or controlled. By taking this gift presented to me, I can let go of the control I have wrongfully grabbed a hold of, and give it back to God. And for the days, and the things, that this is too hard for me to do, I can turn to Jesus and receive all the help I need in doing so.

-Eryn