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
The apostle Paul gives a practical model of finding joy in your journey, regardless of the course. In his letters, Paul pens real-life descriptions of common obstacles to joy, and the perspective that leads to rejoicing through it all. For example, he uses the Greek words for joy or rejoicing sixteen times in the one hundred and four verses comprising his letter to the Philippians – and he wrote this from a prison cell!
While being detained for his faith (Philippians 1:13), he was also enduring the heartbreak of unfaithful friends opposing his ministry (Philippians 1:17). The believers also faced outright enemies seeking to destroy the good news of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:28). Even in the fellowship of the faith, Paul encountered people arguing or complaining (Philippians 2:14). Yet, while encumbered with many distresses, Paul reminds readers the chief object of all joy is Christ, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8).
As Paul offers prayers of thanksgiving for the people with whom God gave him relationship (Philippians 1:3-5), his joy is evident in celebrating their successes (Philippians 1:9-11). He accepts both the challenges to his work and the joy in seeing God’s blessing and purpose in it.
Stay engaged in the work God has given you to do, as Paul did, regardless of the difficulties. Ask the Lord to show you how He is moving through the problems and receive His joy by adopting His perspective! Intercede for Americans to confess and repent, turning back to God so that the nation may again be blessed and many more seek Him in faith because of it.
Today’s Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 3:13-17
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
