Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18
These scriptures come as a command. A firm admonition from the apostle to act upon. It is in not presented as an option among others but the option as a believer in Jesus Christ.
Be in a state of rejoicing. Rejoicing for you is not hinged on external happenings that produce some temporal happiness, but it is one that is internally generated. This is primarily because of the Spirit of God that you received when you believed. Rejoicing has it is expected is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22” the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,…”)
You can and are to enjoy the fruit of the Spirit ALWAYS.
Pray without ceasing is praying ceaselessly. This is a commitment to prayer beyond limitations and borders. Prayer should be your default response and reaction. It is like touching base with your source at every opportunity. You should make it a habit, a life pattern. This is an attitude you can develop by the Spirit of God. The Spirit yearns to relate with God.
Give thanks in everything, it is God’s will for you who are in Christ.
This does not say give thanks for everything but give thanks in everything. That implies that giving thanks is not about the state of your condition but that you are thankful in that state of condition.
This also affirms that it is not a denial of what you may be going through or a need to grief when you must. Grieving is a part of human experience and important for balance and sanity. The scripture is saying in your grief, give thanks. It is what God wants for you.
Yes, it is not easy. In fact, it will be difficult, but it causes you to deepen your convictions in God. It is what you do by faith in obedience to God’s word that is basically a walk by faith and not by sight. For we walk by faith and not by sight.
The only reason you can find if you are looking for one is that Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins and make you whole. This is the only reason that stands the test of time.
I strongly believe it is beyond finding a reason to give thanks, but you should give thanks always simply because it’s God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
But then, a question?
Could we also say, whatever situation the believer finds himself or herself is the will God, and he/she should be thankful?
In relation to the scripture above, the answer is No. every situation you find yourself in is not God’s will as this is not mentioned or inferred. Overall or generally, the scriptures do not give us any idea that every situation believers finds themselves in is God’s will.
God does not will evil to anyone. Evil happens because you are in this world, and you are affected by peoples actions and inactions; your decisions (and passions) and the consequences it brings (James 1:13-15) etc.
What we should know is that God is able to gracefully take you through any situation and fit it in His will/plan. His plan is big enough to swallow up the events in your life and align it to work for the good of the saints.
Get in the mode of rejoicing always, praying without ceasing and giving thanks in all things.
Have a great day!