Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

The little word that helps us to make sense of these three short verses is the word “in“. The equivalent instruction in Philippians 4:4, instructs us to “rejoice in the Lord”.

To “rejoice always” is really only possible because our rejoicing is born out of the depths of our relationship with the LORD. We are in Christ and Christ is in us, and “in His presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). In every circumstance, the Lord Jesus makes joy available to us by His constant loving, supportive, strengthening, healing, empowering presence. So, at all times and in every circumstance, we can draw from the deep well of joy that comes from Jesus’.

Likewise, we are not instructed to thank the Lord for all circumstances, but rather to thank Him in all circumstances. Of course, in good circumstances that is much easier. It’s simply a matter of acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father (James 1:17) and thanking the Lord for the good circumstances. When circumstances are bad, however, I believe our reason to give thanks is God’s magnificent promise in Romans 8:28, “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him …” No matter how bad things are, we can bank on the truth that the Lord is at work for our good and His glory, and we can give thanks for that!

Unlike rejoicing and thankfulness, the middle command to “pray continually” is easy when times are tough. In those moments we probably can’t stop ourselves praying for God’s help. But when times are great, it’s easy to forget to speak to God – thanking Him, praising Him, and rejoicing in His presence.

Today, let us rejoice out of the deep well of Jesus’ presence in us, no matter what our circumstances, give thanks for His sovereign, loving hand at work for our good in all things, and speak to Him moment-by-moment fellowship and love. Amen!