Today’s Scripture
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NKJV)
Additional Scripture
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
—Ephesians 5:18-21 (NKJV)
Reflect on the Word
Not everything in the Bible is easy to understand, but there are passages of Scripture that are quite clear. The passage in 1 Thessalonians says we must:
- Rejoice always. Start by identifying some of the thieves of your joy, such as guilt, grief, grudges and grumbling. Decide to approach life from an opposite spirit. Choose joy instead.
- Pray continually. Prayer doesn’t have to be flashy. As a matter of fact, it’s best if it isn’t. Just talk to God, and let Him talk to you. In your relationship with the Lord, make sure to listen as much, if not more, than you speak.
- Give thanks. The apostle Paul begins 10 of his 13 New Testament epistles with some expression of gratitude. His prayers and letters were peppered with thanks, despite the ongoing challenges he faced. One could say Paul’s letters are “thank full!” We are invited to be the same, by giving thanks for all things (Eph. 5:20).
Prayer + Contemplation
- You may have had many valid reasons to grumble and complain in the past few years, and yet God’s will for our lives is to rejoice, pray and give thanks. How will that shape your response to Him in the future?
- Take a moment to pray to the Lord with gratitude. Keep it simple. Say thank you to Him for what He’s given you. Listen to His heart.
- Make a list of what you are grateful for today. That list may prompt a phone call, text or note to people who have had a positive impact on your life.
