Rejoice always

 One of the shortest verses in the New Testament is

1 Thess 5:16

Rejoice always,

On first reading, one might think this is indeed a tall order, especially when trouble comes knocking at your door.  But clearly it is not meant to be of the “Jippee!  Here is trouble!” kind of rejoicing.  Rather, we must ask the question:  “How does this current difficulty  contribute to my faith walk?” 

We read in James 1:3-4 that trials prove our faith, it brings endurance and steadfastness and patience.  Which in turn will develop us so that we lack nothing which God intended for us to have:

James 1:3-4

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Did you notice the comma at the end of Rejoice always?  It is because Paul goes on to verse 17 to give us a key to use to accomplish this rejoicing, and it is another extremely short verse:

1 Thess 5:17

Pray continually,

Giving the burden over to  Abba Father, following Jesus through it all, asking wisdom from Holy Spirit in how/what/where/when to act. Then we can easily use Paul’s next key in verse 18:

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

If you are thankful for God’s help in everything concerning this trial you are facing; if you are thankful for the growth in your faith which resulted from this difficulty that arose out of seemingly nowhere; if you are thankful for seeing His supernatural work in your life through it all – you will eventually look back and even be thankful that this problem arose in your life!  And this indeed will be reason enough to rejoice!

Points to Ponder

How can I start to change my way of thinking about the difficulties, problems or trials in my life?

Give Thanks