“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18
How can I be joyful always when life is sometimes difficult and disappointing? How can I give thanks in all circumstances, especially when my hopes and dreams are crushed? I have learned by walking daily with the Lord that those three tasks are hard work… except praying continually. I pray for His guidance and deliverance, may even need to pray myself through moment by moment. I pray for those I love and those around me, for compassion and patience in relationships, for knowledge and wisdom on the job, for traveling mercies on the road, for provision of my basic needs, and for blessings that I may receive some of my wants. I may feel His presence so close the room is filled with it; or I may I wonder why He has gone so far from me I don’t know where to find Him. But as I pray and seek Him, He reminds me He is always present whether I sense Him or not. And because He is always present, I give thanks in all circumstances; though it may take me a while to find that glimmer of hope reaching through my darkness. But once I see it, I remain spiritually joyful for His constant presence.
One Response
I was challenged by this passage when my teenage son was undergoing treatment for cancer. After much prayer, I realised that it says “in” all circumstances and not “for” all circumstances. It is a wonderful discipline to seek out and focus on the things we can be thankful for even in the darkest moments. It helps us remember all that God does and is for us and strengthens us to be His witnesses in the world. Even if all you can find to be thankful for is that God is with you always, you have something to be joyful about.