21 Nov 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be Joyful #164
What better way to start off the Thanksgiving week with a verse on being thankful? This was my favorite verse when I was younger and I am not sure how I have managed to share 164 verses without sharing this one. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.”
Be Joyful Always? How can someone be joyful always? Because joy doesn’t come from circumstances, but from God. That means even when life is really hard there can be joy. Yes, your circumstances will change; some will be really good and some will be really bad, but God? God always remains the same.
Pray at all times? Yes! God wants to communicate in and through all things. Prayer is simply communicating with God. It doesn’t have to be anything formal, but we can talk to God at all times.
Be thankful in all circumstances? Yes, that too! God wants us to be thankful in all things. Not just the good things. Not just when we get what we want. He wants us to be thankful in the hard days. Remember, you don’t have to be thankful for each thing, but you should be thankful in each thing.
This is what God wants for your life. He wants you to be joyful, pray and be thankful! I hope this encourages you as you head into this week that no matter what you are facing, there is reason to find joy and be thankful. If you can’t come up with a reason then remember that God is the perfect reason.
PS. It’s a huge honor to be featured and interviewed on my friend Cheryl’s blog. She is such an encourager and has an amazing testimony and I hope you not only read this post, but follow her blog as well.
PPS. Order In Due Time Devotional Today
{Let’s Connect} Facebook • Instagram • Bloglovin • Pinterest • Google + • Twitter
ellesees.net
Posted at 07:53h, 21 NovemberWhat a perfect week to share these thoughts!! Right as we kick off the holiday season. I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful!
Nicole
Posted at 09:38h, 21 NovemberLove this! Thanks for the reminder. =)
Keri McCue
Posted at 10:51h, 21 NovemberWe have similar things on our hearts this week, friend! Our post going live tomorrow is so similar to this message! I love 1 Thess 5:8 and is what I have been focusing on this week leading up to Thanksgiving. I love this view on thanksgiving and praise! I hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy and blessings!!!
Cheryl
Posted at 14:29h, 21 NovemberThank you so much for the sweet mention here! I know your testimony will bless so many hearts. Sending you love and hugs!!
Kristy
Posted at 21:45h, 21 NovemberOne of my solid favorites!
MEM
Posted at 00:55h, 23 NovemberJust visiting you from Cheryl’s blog, and so happy to meet you Caroline! I really enjoyed your testimony there, and the very encouraging thoughts as you broke down this wonderful verse today. Indeed, the way the Lord looks at our life is not hot, and I always try to remember that – His purpose needs to be aligned with my purpose, and when I realize that His ways are best, I can be thankful in whatever comes my way, because as a Father, I know He loves me enough to only allow what is best for me. This does bring great comfort in all we face! Happy to meet you today, and praying the Lord blesses you abundantly!
MEM
Posted at 00:56h, 23 November“not like us”, not sure how “hot” got in there, lol!