Followers of Christ desire to obey the will of God. But what does that include? Let’s turn to I Thessalonians in Scripture to discover 3 commands that are a component of God’s will.
“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 NIV
Three simple commands, but oh, how challenging to faithfully implement in our everyday lives. But thankfully, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit who enables us to obey these commands. To fully comprehend the meaning and significance of these commands, let’s delve into each one.
1. The Will of God Requires Us to Always Be Joyful
In ancient Greek, the word for “joyful” is “chairo” which means “to rejoice, be glad. Be in a state of gladness, happiness, or well-being”. Adding further insight, the Lexham Theological Wordbook explains, “The kind of rejoicing the term chairo denotes is not only a feeling and expression of joy but also an action one chooses.”
Why can we always be joyful?
– our identity in Christ
In Christ, we are chosen, dearly loved, forgiven, redeemed, justified, liberated. Neither the world nor our work defines us. Only in Christ Jesus do we find life and meaning. Plus, nothing can snatch us out of His hand nor separate us from His love (John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39). For we are His treasured possession, His beloved children.
When we truly grasp who we are in Christ, we can be joyful always.
This doesn’t mean we can’t express other emotions such as grief, sadness, anger or fear. However, we refuse to allow negative emotions to consume us. Instead, we confide in the Lord, placing our cares into His hands. Doing so invites His peace to rule in our hearts which enables us to rejoice.
– our eternal inheritance
In addition, a heavenly dwelling awaits us. For this world is not our home. This means our troubles here are temporary and not worth comparing to the surpassing glory awaiting us in heaven (Romans 8:18).
Our heavenly home is a place of no more death, sorrow, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). A place where we will dwell with Jesus forever. Friend, this future is ours and it is secure in Christ. Therefore, let’s not allow anything in this world to steal our joy.
– our gracious and good God
What’s more, we serve a gracious and good God. Scripture states, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love” (Psalm 103:8).
Because of this, “Christian joy is not bound by circumstances or hindered by difficulties. It is a choice, a deliberate response that focuses on the grace and goodness of God”.The Holman New Testament Commentary
Friend, the joy of knowing who God is and what He has done carries us through the difficult times. For “the joy of the Lord is [our] strength” (Nehemiah 8:10c).
To remind ourselves of the goodness of God and what He has done, practice gratitude. In other words, count your blessings. This provides clear, tangible reasons to rejoice.
When we focus on the grace and goodness of God, on our identity in Christ and on our eternal inheritance, we can be joyful always.
2. The Will of God Requires Us to Never Stop Praying
According to the Holman New Testament Commentary, “this is not a command about speaking non-stop prayers. It refers, however, to the attitude of prayer, or reverence before God”.
This means, we remain attentive to God’s presence, recognizing that He is always with us and that we live dependent upon Him.
What does maintaining an attitude of prayer look like?
Before soliciting help from a friend, we choose to pray. Instead of attempting to figure things out on our own, we choose to pray.
Additionally, our prayers may not always be verbal. They can be short silent prayers such as while waiting for an appointment or standing in line at the grocery store. Whatever the situation, pray.
Lastly, don’t give up praying.
Scripture portrays the importance of persistent prayer through a parable in Luke 18:1-8. In this parable, a widow seeks justice against her adversary. Despite the refusal of her request, she persists. And her request is eventually granted. Verse 1 states that Jesus told this parable in order to demonstrate the need “to always pray and not give up”.
Why pray?
Friend, the Father always hears us and is actively working on our behalf even though we cannot see. He truly cares about every detail of our lives.
As God’s children, our heavenly Father delights in us coming to Him. Even though He already knows what we need before we ask, He desires that we lay our requests before Him. For Scripture encourages us to approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). What an incredible privilege to approach God in prayer!
Furthermore, when we commune with God in prayer, we honor Him by demonstrating our dependence and trust in Him. Therefore, let’s never stop praying. He is waiting for us to come to Him.
3. The Will of God Requires Us to Be Thankful in All Circumstances
Note the preposition “in” amid this command. This word denotes giving thanks DURING the circumstance NOT for the circumstance itself.
Why can we give thanks no matter the circumstance?
– God is ever present
Because God is always with us. He is for us and not against us. Besides this, “God works together in all things for the ultimate good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Therefore, we can trust in His goodness and faithfulness without fear.
Plus, when we give thanks, it shifts our perspective onto God and off our circumstances. We remember He is God Almighty, the Sovereign One who rules over all. Knowing these things enables us to rejoice and be thankful no matter the circumstance.
– thankfulness ultimately results in endurance
In addition, Scripture instructs that “when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2-3 NIV).
Friend, each difficulty we face is an opportunity to allow endurance to grow in us. Because of this, let’s choose to be thankful and trust God’s faithfulness through any difficulty. When we do, endurance forms. Then when another difficulty arises, we recall God’s faithfulness and know He will be faithful again. The result? Thankfulness plus greater endurance.
No matter what we face, God is with us and will sustain us. Therefore, friend, we can be thankful in all circumstances.
The Will of God Transforms Us
From our study, note that each command – always be joyful, never stop praying, be thankful in all circumstances – draws our hearts to God. Not only that, but these commands also transform us into the image of Jesus Christ. As we reflect Jesus in this lost and dying world, people in need of hope will notice. Then we can gladly share the reason for our hope.
Therefore, friend, let’s live a life that faithfully follows the will of God; a life devoted to pleasing Him.
Reflecting on Obeying the Will of God
Father, thank You for Your Word that instructs us how to live. Give us hearts that desire to please You and ears that hear Your voice. Show us what hinders us from completely following Your will. For we desire to give You glory. You alone are worthy of all honor, glory and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- What prevents me from rejoicing, praying and giving thanks?
- What actions can I take to cultivate an attitude of joy, a life of prayer and a heart of thankfulness?
Scripture for Meditation
Psalm 40:8a, “I delight to do your will, my God” (NIV).
Philippians 4:4,6-7 “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
Related Posts
- To delve further into choosing joy, see this post: 3 Reasons to Choose Joy
- For additional insights regarding our identity in Christ, see this post: 6 Spiritual Blessings that Exemplify God’s Love
- To grasp the importance of focusing on God, see this post: Why Our Focus is So Vital
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about 3 Commands Found in the Will of God.
