April 24, 2023- I Will Always Pray, Rejoice, And Be Thankful In All Things

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -I Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Do you remember going to the grocery store growing up? Before walking in the store, there was a reminder of the expectations of how you were to act in the store. It may have went something like this. “When we get in this store, don’t look at nothing. Don’t touch nothing. Don’t ask for nothing. Don’t think about nothing.” I know that’s bad grammar, but that’s how it went. It was the reminder that when you go into certain places, there is a way that you have to carry yourself. If you are connected to me, there are attitudes and behaviors that demonstrate that.

Paul writes to the church to give some perspective on how to carry themselves. Rejoice always. In everything, there is a reason for joy. Joy is not based on one’s circumstances, but they are rooted in God. Circumstances may change, but God does not. You can always have joy. Pray without ceasing is a necessity in the life of a Christian. We must always find ourselves in communication with God. We must not allow circumstances to keep us from our prayer life. In everything, give thanks for this is the will of God for your life. In every situation of life, we recognize that God’s sovereignty is in it all. In all things, we can tell God thank you. Why? These are His expectations for our lives.