May 19, 2013

• God’s Word

  Rejoicing, Praying, and Giving Thanks

   

  Bible Verses (RcV)

  1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always rejoice, (17) Unceasingly pray, (18)

  “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Psalm 5:11 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; Let them shout for joy forever; And may You spread a cover over them; And those who love Your name will exult in You.”

   

  Words of Ministry

   

  [1 Thessalonians] verse 16 says, “Always rejoice.”

   

  Rejoicing includes calling on the name of the Lord. We simply cannot rejoice in the Lord without uttering His name. Hence, the name of the Lord is implied in Paul’s charge to always rejoice. When we rejoice, therefore, we rejoice with the Lord’s name. In verse 17 Paul says, “Unceasingly pray.” This is to have uninterrupted fellowship with God in our spirit. It requires perseverance with a strong spirit. In verse 18 Paul continues, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We should give thanks in everything because all things work together for our good that we may be transformed and conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:28-29). The clause “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” modifies all the three preceding items. God wants us to live a rejoicing, praying, and thanking life. Such a life is a glory to God and a shame to His enemy. The sequence in verses 16 through 18 is according to Paul’s experience. Paul knew that first we rejoice, then pray, and then give thanks. The will of God in Christ Jesus for us is that we rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

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