1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

These verses have always been troubling for me. There are times when it is simply too difficult to rejoice – or give thanks. But then, a dear friend reminded me that the verses does not suggest that I give thanks FOR all things, but IN all circumstances.

In the midst of difficult circumstances – like this current pandemic, or hearing of family members with heart attacks, or reading news headlines of a young man gunned down while jogging near his home because he was black, or… the list is long – Paul encourages us to find things to be thankful for.

That’s tough – sometimes – impossible.

Those are the times I rely on God working within me. When I cannot find hope, gratitude or joy on my own I AM grateful that I can turn to God in prayer for those things.
You, too, church, can turn to God and ask that the Holy Spirit fill you with joy, peace, and hope!

Let’s pray:
Gracious God, remind me that when I cannot find hope, joy or gratitude, YOU will fill me with your Spirit. May the power of your Spirit ground me in hope, joy and peace.
Amen.