Not only are some of God’s commands difficult to obey but some, in addition, are hard to comprehend. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) gives us three commands that according to these verses are all the will of God for all Christians. And as we read these verses, at first glance, many believers would say how is this even possible. For we read: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Let’s look at each one of these three commands:
Rejoice always
I like what Pastor Charles Swindoll says here: “Rejoicing is clearly a spiritual command. To ignore it, I need to remind you, is disobedience.”1 When things are going well it’s easy to rejoice. But when trials and pain enter our life you mean we are also to rejoice? Well, the short answer is yes! As a new Christian many years ago I struggled with this but now I see the wisdom in always rejoicing.
You see if God gives us a command it must be for our benefit and also be possible to obey. When I go through a trial now I may not be happy, but rejoicing is very different than happiness. To me joy is that state of mind that knows, according to (Romans 8:28), “…that all things work together for good to those who love God…” I also get joy knowing that my trial, as I endure and come through it, brings glory to God – and what can be more joyous than this! Rejoicing is also the attitude of our mind and heart that knows that God is working out our trials to build up our faith and trust in Jesus.
If you are still having trouble rejoicing at all times then please meditate on this awesome portion of Scripture: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9).
Pray without ceasing
At first you might be wondering how can I pray 24 hours a day? However, unceasing prayer doesn’t mean that we are actually always talking to God but what I believe it means is that our mindset is always one of God-consciousness. Yes, we should have definite sets time during the day when we specifically pray to God, but our minds should always be God-conscious. For example, when you are at work, you should always give 100% to doing the best job possible for your boss. Praying without ceasing thus is not only possible, but like rejoicing always, is a command of God.
In everything give thanks
Notice this command doesn’t say “for” but “in.” I believe this distinction is important. While we don’t pray for trials and tragedies, when we are going through them we can be thankful as we endure these difficult situations. Again, this all goes back to (Romans 8:28).
A classic example is the story of Jospeh in the book of Genesis. If you remember Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and shortly thereafter Joseph found his way to Egypt where he became a servant in Potiphar’s house. If being a slave was not bad enough, Joseph was then falsely accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife, and thrown into prison. In prison Joseph interprets the dreams of two of Pharaoh’s servants, who found their way there because they displeased the king. After the cupbearer to Pharaoh had a favorable interpretation and was released, Joseph remained in prison two more years. Then Pharaoh had two dreams, and because of Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams, was summoned by the king and his interpretations pleased the king so much that he made Joseph, now age thirty, his prime minster. And as prime minister Joseph was able to save grain from the seven years of plenty for the seven years of famine which were to follow.
And we see that Joseph found favor with God because of his integrity. He also went through major trials because God wanted to teach him valuable lessons. And he practiced forgiveness demonstrating his love of God and his love of others. And as far as always being thankful, I believe that Joseph was for we read: “Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:19-21).
Are you always thankful for whatever situation you find yourself in? I believe that the closer we get to Jesus the more thankful we will become knowing that He will be with us in the good times and the difficult times, cheering us on to endure no matter how great the trial.
So Christian, what about you? Are you suffering from an illness? Have you recently lost your job? Or has your wife just had a miscarriage? In all of these situations God has allowed them to happen because He has a master plan in which He wants to use your tragedy for His glory. Our role is to trust God that He will use our suffering in unique ways if we just turn them over to Him. So, rather than question God in these above cases with the refrain: “why me,” I much prefer to rejoice, pray, and give Him thanks as well as to ask God how can He use these negatives in my life to bless others and make me a God glorifying vessel!
1 https://www.wisefamousquotes.com/charles-r-swindoll-quotes/rejoicing-is-clearly-a-spiritual-command-to-ignore-1470912/