Three Hard Things...

“Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CEB)

Wow, the above instructions are hard to understand and sometimes harder to do. There are times when I do not feel like rejoicing or being thankful in every situation and I’m pretty sure I’m not always of a prayerful mind. The only way this can be accomplished is to be walking with the Lord.

I really like the thoughts on this passage from www.heartlight.org which is:

Where does your heart live? That's what these verses are all about. It's about where we spend the most time with our hearts. Is there a constant awareness in your life that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all your ups and downs? Or is God here when it is convenient and gone when things are busy or we feel that everything is going okay? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, Spirit to Spirit, child to Abba, human with God. Thanksgiving and joy are the great reminders that we have been blessed no matter what the outward circumstances imply.

First, we must have joy….ALWAYS. How do we manage that command? Joy is deeper than happiness. It is not according to the circumstances of life but is anchored by our relationship with God. The deeper our roots in our relationship with God, the more joy we will know.

Secondly, we are to be in prayer…CONTINUALLY. What? Would we be able to anything else if we prayed continually? This isn’t what it sounds like; we are to have a spirit of prayer at all times. People wonder, “What in the world would I talk to God about all day long?” Again, we have to adjust our thinking. We often think of prayer as “asking God for stuff”. Prayer is much more than merely making requests. Prayer is meant to be a conversation with the Lord. It is a time for us to align our hearts and minds with His. To pray without ceasing simply means we are living and thinking in the presence of God.

Finally, we are asked to give thanks in EVERY situation. We should not be thankful for injustice, tragedy, disease, or for war. None of these things are good. However, we are to be grateful IN every circumstance. This is an important distinction. Like joy, our thankfulness is anchored by our relationship in Christ rather than to the circumstances of life.

So, these three aren’t as hard to do as first thought. Not if we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior and remember that only through Him can we do ALL things. (Philippians 4:13)