Xanthe Hancox

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I’ll be honest – rejoicing, praying and giving thanks in all circumstances doesn’t come naturally to me.  Whenever I read this passage, I can't help but think, how am I supposed to live like this? Sometimes I wonder if God really does understand my circumstances, because this seems impossible!

These three directives were part of Paul's final instruction to the Thessalonians. He reminds them how God's people are to live and how our attitudes should not be affected by our circumstances. All three have a sense of keeping at something, and of being a part of an ongoing, unfolding relationship.

It’s often said that if you want to know how rich you are, make a list of all the things you have that don’t cost any money. At the top of my list is the salvation, love and mercy I have in Jesus. Then there’s the family God’s given me, my friendships, my health, and an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The list is endless. I have so much to rejoice in.

When Paul talks about praying without ceasing, he has in mind a conversation that never really has to start up again because it never really stopped. Prayer is not simply a few words spoken to God when we need something, but an ongoing conversation with someone who is always with us.

How do we give thanks in everything? Paul isn't saying we have to rejoice and be thankful about everything that happens, but that we are able to give thanks through anything and everything that happens. We can thank God for being with us in our situations, giving us strength to meet our needs and grace to meet our difficulties. We can give thanks in pain and in joy.

Today, how can we pick up a conversation that has already begun with God? And how will we let there be joy and thankfulness in simply letting ourselves be more and more aware of the presence of our living God in every moment of our lives?

Prayer: Father, thank you for being there, always. Give me a deeper appreciation and a more profound awareness of your presence today. Let my whole day today be prayerful, let me find joy in your presence, and offer my thanks freely and with love. Amen.