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"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
When Christians think of the shortest verse in the Bible, we often think of John 11:35, "Jesus wept." Jesus wept over the pain and hurt caused by death. His good friend, Lazarus, had died, and his family were stricken with grief. But that is not where the story ends. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and turned their mourning into shouts of praise.
The other verse in the Bible that consists of only two words is our focus today, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, where the Apostle Paul commands the church: "Rejoice always." All three verbs in verses 16-18 are present imperatives in Greek. We are commanded by God to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance. I think these are commands in the Bible because God knows that our natural tendencies are complaining, not praying, and being ungrateful. So, to counter those temptations, God commands us to do these three things.
How can you and I rejoice always? Is that not impossible? How can we pray non-stop, or give thanks even in horrible times? The key to obeying these commands (not suggestions) from God's Word is our attitude. Yes, our attitude. The attitude that maintains joy amid hardship is one that remembers that no matter how bad our circumstances are, God is still good, He is in control, we are still going to heaven when we die, and God will take care of us. Furthermore, we can pray throughout our day by just talking to God, and we can also maintain an attitude of gratitude even when times are hard.
Now, I get that this is easier for me to type and preach than it is for me to obey. I fight daily the temptations to complain and not rejoice, to worry instead of praying, and to get spiritual amnesia instead of constantly giving God thanks. I am so glad God included these verses in the Bible. They challenge me and keep me on my spiritual toes!
How are you doing with these commands from God? Are you rejoicing, praying, and being thankful? I am rooting for you and praying even now that these spiritual realities will become a part of your daily walk with God. Will you pray the same for me?
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