Derek Smith, Lead Pastor LHBC
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
In chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians the Apostle Paul begins the chapter talking about the coming day of the Lord. In these last days before Christ comes again Scripture tells us that things will grow from bad to worse. It’s easy to see some of these things playing out right before our eyes. The Lord can get the entire world’s attention in just a matter of days if he wants to, and before He comes again the world will be in a state of turmoil. But remember, these are just the signs that Jesus is on His way! Paul goes on to give the church at Thessalonica a word of encouragement. He reminds them to simply stay the course in their faith, not to waver or to wander, but to stay closely connected to Jesus and His Church. Then He gives us all some extremely practical advice for how to conquer in times of crisis.
First of all He says we should always rejoice. In the midst of crisis times we must step back from all the proverbial noise around us and remember just how awesome the Lord really is. Every day of our lives joy is a choice. No matter the circumstances we must choose to rest in the love of our Lord Jesus displayed in His death on the cross for us. If I’m going to Heaven when I die, what really do we have to worry or be upset about? Psalm 16:11 tells us that in the presence of the Lord there is fullness of joy. Child of God, don’t focus on the negative or spend your time listening to all the pessimism around you. Get in the Word and remember all that Christ has done for your salvation and be happy. Choose joy in Jesus.
Second, he says we should pray without ceasing. Prayer is not a one time request, it is a continual daily dialogue between you and God. It is listening to His voice and calling on Him for guidance, strength, and wisdom. Don’t just pray in the morning during a crisis, pray all day long. Continue the conversation. Let the Spirit of God guide your every thought, word, and deed. Also, in times of crisis the Lord teaches us to rely completely on Him. There is nothing you or I can do to control a crisis. Only the Lord can flip the script. Were it not for the crises of life we would soon forget just how desperate we are for Him. So, in the crisis we must learn the lesson that we need the Lord in both the highs and lows of life.
Lastly, what should we do in times of crisis? Give thanks. He says here you can mark it down, it is always the will of God for us to be grateful. You want to be right with the Lord today? Then just tell him “thank you” from a genuine heart. Gratitude is our way of saying we love and trust Christ with all our heart. Appreciation is that great aroma of the soul that is content in Jesus. Gratitude says I’m not entitled to anything, and all that I am and have is a gift from the Lord. Every morning tell the Lord how grateful you are for who He is and all He has done.
Rejoice, pray, and give thanks; this is just what the great Physician orders for the health of our soul. This is His great prescription for crises. No matter how deep or dark the crisis you find yourself in, our God is greater than the circumstance. Even though this body of sin must be done away with, and that process is painful at times, our soul is set free in Jesus. So today, choose joy, pray always, and give thanks.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, I am so grateful for Your love and grace. I know that no matter what I face You are with me, You are for me, and You live in me. Today I give thanks to You and I am choosing joy in the midst of every trial of life. You are so good. In Jesus name, amen.
MEMORY VERSES OF THE WEEK:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.