1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
“Be happy in your faith at all times. Never stop praying. Be thankful, whatever the circumstances may be. If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Jesus Christ.” J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)
Are you able to remain cheerful no matter what happens when you are facing a predicament you have not chosen or didn’t expect to be in? Those times when you are struggling to keep on going and your frustrations are spilling into your day. We all have been there! The truth and concept that God is working in us to be more holy doesn’t typically, humanly speaking, come into my thoughts during a trial. Is it yours? Paul taught the Thessalonian Christians in their faith and in their mental attitude in 1 Thess. 5:23-24, to be thankful, as he challenged them, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may our whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it.”. It takes endurance and searching upward instead of inward when facing uncomfortable, irritating circumstances, calamity and adversity. It takes steadfast trust in the God who holds tomorrow. Christ’s return gives us hope.
David said in Psalm 119:
- 92, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”
- 133, “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.”
- 143-144, “Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.”
- 153, “Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.”
- 165, “Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”
- 173-174, “Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.”
What would you assign yourself as homework when undergoing a difficulty that is out of your control? Mine this week is memorizing 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Next would-be rereading Psalm 119 and highlighting the words, “affliction, keep steady my steps, commandments are my delight, deliver me, great peace, nothing can make them stumble, help me, and your law is my delight.”
What about spending time in prayer? I admit I need to do more of that. God commands us to pray. As it states in Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Prayer is our expression of our trust in God. It is our dialogue with our great Shepherd. It needs to be the first thing we do every morning. “But I suggest that if you learn to pause and listen in prayer, the Lord will show you how to pray on behalf of another, and how to pray specifically concerning any situation.” Jon Courson, Application Commentary, page 1292, Philippians 4:7.
Circumstances change but God does not. Shut out distractions and recognize God’s sovereign hand is not neglecting you or the world we live in as you commit to Him what is on your mind and heart. He is in charge and someday soon every knee will bow before Him.
OK, God, now what do I do? I trust in You.
Listen to Mix – Aware Worship Trust In God (Featuring Mark Gutierrez) (12/30/2023)