In God's Hands

From: Through The Bible Daily Devotions

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Several times in the letters of the New Testament, the author gives a list of present, active, imperative commands. The joy that St Paul is speaking of in today's passage is something much deeper than your present emotional state. It is the sense that comes when you believe that all is in the hands of your loving Father. Joy in difficult circumstances is a powerful testimony to the reality of your faith.

The next instruction is to pray without ceasing. People often ask how this is possible. If you mean to isolate yourself and speak out loud to God without stopping, it is impossible. If it means to walk in constant heart to heart communion with God; it is the life of the Christian. Jesus should be our closest friend with Whom we share the moments of each day. A constant sharing with Him and listening to His voice will keep you walking in the Spirit.

Finally in this message, God's will for us is that we give thanks in every circumstance. How can we thank God for loss and pain? It is only possible when we are committed to "walk by faith and not by sight", trusting that He will work out everything for good. Giving thanks changes our perspective and cuts short the damage that the enemy intends.