November 12, 2023
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV)
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG)
Entering my office after being off work for nearly a month when my husband passed away, the first thing I saw was this sign above the light switch that said, “In Everything Give Thanks.” I immediately said, “Lord this is so hard!” However, God’s Word says, “Rejoice always, pray, and in everything give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NRSV)
Working in critical care nursing for many years, I have seen many painful life and death situations and there were times when I said God, I know You are sovereign and You control life and death, but God this situation seems so hard to understand!
Have you ever found it difficult to give thanks to God in some of the most painful situations or experiences of your life? Questions, when life simply did not make sense! How did you respond? You may have asked some of the following questions or made similar statements. When people are going through difficult times or grappling with challenging situations, they may have questions that can be seen as a form of “questioning God.” These questions often reflect a sense of confusion, doubt, or even frustration with God. Here are some common questions that may fall into this category:
God, why did You allow this to happen? This may have been a time of reflecting and/or struggling to understand why God permits suffering and hardship in one’s life or in the world. Maybe it was personal, and you said God, do You really care about my pain and
suffering? You may have questioned whether God is truly compassionate and concerned about your individual struggles. God how can I trust You when things are so hard? Reflecting on the challenge of maintaining faith and trust in God in the face pain and suffering. God where are You in the midst of my suffering? Expressing a longing for God’s presence and a sense of feeling abandoned or distant from Him during difficult times. God, are You punishing me for something? Some may wonder if their difficulties are a result of God’s judgment or punishment for their actions, poor choices, or bad decisions. God, what is Your plan or purpose God in my suffering? Some may seek understanding of the greater purpose behind their pain and difficulties.
Let’s be clear, it is important to recognize that these questions are a natural part of the human experience, and they do not necessarily indicate a lack of faith. It has nothing to do with the security of one’s salvation or walk with God, it is simply being human. When I reflect of the Word of God, there were many biblical figures, including Moses, Job, David, and Jeremiah, who wrestled with similar questions and doubts.
Because God is sovereign and has ultimate control over our lives, He reserves the right to do whatever He chooses to do in and through each of our lives. I do not question what He does, however, I believe I can go to Him and ask Him a question, and I have had many to ask Him!
Why Are We Supposed To Rejoice And Give Thanks In Everything!
Let’s check in with the Apostle Paul who penned the books of first and second Thessalonians! A closer look at 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It is important to note here that Paul did not tell the Thessalonians to give thanks for everything. The preposition used in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is the Greek en, is best translated by the English preposition in. So, Paul isn’t telling them they must be thankful for the difficulties they were encountering; instead, he is challenging them to be thankful in any circumstance. Paul recognized that the secret of contentment isn’t found in circumstances. Rather, there is contentment in recognizing it is Christ who strengthens us for whatever we might face. Paul also wrote in Philippians 4:11–13, “I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.” (NRSV)
Because God is God, He allows things in our lives to help us grow to be more like Christ, in fact, the pursuit of “Christlikeness” is the primary purpose God has for us in sanctification (being set apart or holy). Romans 8:28, reminds us that if God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and that good is that we would be more like Christ in ‘verse 29’, then we can expect that He even uses hardship in our lives to help shape us to be more like Him. Because He works for that purpose in our lives, we can be filled with gratitude, knowing that there is purpose even in the difficulties we simply can’t understand.
Yes, whether we like it or not, suffering brings perseverance; perseverance develops proven or tested character; character that has been tested develops hope; and God’s kind of hope never disappoints. If God can use suffering and trials that way, to help us mature, then those experiences are worth it. Like Paul encourages the Corinthians, the momentary afflictions we encounter in this life are producing what he calls an “eternal weight of glory” in 2 Corinthians 4:17.
NOW, this gives me comfort! Paul adds that the sufferings we encounter today are nothing compared to the glory we will see in the future noted in Romans 8:18. In other words, it is all worth it.
HEART 
CHALLENGE: Paul’s primary focus in his letter to the Thessalonians Believers was to encourage and comfort them. In chapter 5, he motivates them to live daily in a way that pleases God and bring glory to His name. In verses 4-6 he admonishes them to be prepared at all times for Christ’s return. Paul ends his epistle with a to-do list to assist the church in their daily living and in relating to one another:
♥ 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22
♥ Comfort and edify one another ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
♥ Respect all leaders ~ verses 12–13
♥ Warn the unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, and be patient with one another ~ verse 14
♥ Treat everyone with kindness ~verse 15
♥ Rejoice always ~ verse 16
♥ Pray without ceasing ~ verse 17
♥ Give thanks ~ verse 18
♥ Do not quench the Spirit ~ verse 19
♥ Test all teachings ~ verses 20–21
♥ Avoid evil ~ verse 22
What great reminders to all Believers in Christ. Our situations and feelings should never stop us from rejoicing, praying, giving thanks, showing respect, or acting kindly.
A REJOICING 
HEART: Our exhortation to rejoice always is found elsewhere in Scripture, as well: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4. Rejoicing is not just a suggestion; it is a command, and it is commanded always. We can always choose to praise the Lord. We can rejoice always because of God’s salvation. No one and nothing can take our salvation away Those who believe in Christ are God’s children, and nothing can change that.
Paul again reminds us in Romans 8:37-39 “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below, indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)
In difficult times of suffering, pain and trials questioning God, individuals may find help, guidance, and deeper spiritual understanding through prayer, reflection, study of God’s Word seeking biblical counsel, and a community of support groups Also, the process of questioning situations can be a means of growing in faith and developing a more profound relationship with God.
FATHER GOD, Thank You for Your Word that give us clear instructions on how to trust You in time of pain, trials, and suffering. Thank You Father that we can REJOICE ALWAYS because of your salvation, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!