Monday, February 4, 2019: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Always is a big word, isn’t it? Words and phrases like “always,” “without ceasing,” and “in all circumstances” are wholly inclusive, encompassing literally every moment. Think about it. Is there anything you continually do without ceasing and in all circumstances? Outside of breathing, you’re likely hard-pressed to come up with an answer.
But Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 was literal. In case we might take his words as hyperbole, he restated his point three times. It is God’s will for us to rejoice in everything, to never stop praying, and to continuously give thanks. That’s not to say that we should be Pollyanna’s, pretending we have no troubles in the world. Neither did Paul mean that we should walk around speaking aloud non-stop prayers and words of thanks. Rather, we are called to steadfastly remain in a prayerful attitude of full dependence on God, finding joy and thanks in His continual presence. In every type of situation and circumstance, we are to depend on God as we depend on our next breath.
What does that look like in the day-to-day? Most of us treat the command to pray without ceasing as hyperbole. We may turn to God before a meal, when someone we love is sick or hurting, or when we find ourselves in difficulty and trouble. But what would it look like for you to depend on Him every single moment today? We need God always, without ceasing, and in all circumstances. He longs to draw us into that type of relationship with Him.
- Think about a difficult situation or worry that is continually on your mind. What reasons do you have to be joyful and give thanks to God in that circumstance?
- Pray: Express your need for God in this moment and every moment. Pursue prayer without ceasing in an attitude of dependence, by trying the following throughout the day:
- Do not close your prayers, but leave them open-ended, continuing to turn your thoughts to God and talk to Him.
- When you’re outside, look up, down, and around to notice God’s creation.
- When you encounter people, think about how God loves them and has purpose for them.
- Pray as you walk from your car to class, work, or into your house.
- Listen to worship songs that turn your thoughts to Him (Consider Lord I Need You by Matt Maher).