1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You

^“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)

As believers, we’re always seeking God’s will for our lives. In in our head, we know God’s will is perfect, and we want to be living in it. The Lord’s Prayer even has a petition that says, “Thy will be done.” That’s what we pray for, but do we know what it is? Do you ever question God about it? And then we encounter a text like this, reminding us so simply.

Context: In Chapter 5, Paul is setting expectations for the Thessalonians about Jesus’ return. He wanted them to be prepared, even though nobody knows when that day will come. We are still waiting all these years later. Our memory text comes from Paul’s final words of advice. He speaks of how we should relate to others and how we should live our lives while we wait.

We might wonder about this advice. How is it even possible to “always” be joyful? It’s critical to remember that being joyful is not the same as being “happy.” Being full of joy is easy when we remember what Jesus did for us, what he promised he will still do, and the fact we are never alone. Joy brings along peace and assurance when we put our faith in Jesus. We may be totally unhappy with our life circumstances, but joy in the Lord never fades. Jesus is a constant friend we can trust.

Paul’s second reminder to pray is also key. There’s a good reason Paul tells us to never stop praying. That’s because the covering of prayer is like a powerful shield that can protect us from falling prey to the evil one’s schemes. I don’t know how many times I’ve ventured out into the unknown without praying first or at all, only to end up in some sort of trial or state of disillusionment. I catch myself saying, “If only I had prayed.”

God’s will for us may seem elusive, but these verses make it crystal clear. We don’t need to keep searching for the answer. God’s will for us is simply, be joyful, pray a lot, and have a thankful heart. When you think of how easy it is to live in God’s will according to Paul’s counsel, it’s a shame more people don’t know how.

The final piece of being thankful catches people off guard, too. I’ve heard people say, how can I be thankful “for” my cancer, or “for” my unemployment, or “for” a broken relationship. That’s not what this verse says. God doesn’t expect us to be thankful “for” those awful things. His desire for us is to be thankful “in” the midst of those trials while they are happening.

Think of the person struggling with the effects of chemotherapy for their cancer diagnosis. Certainly, they wouldn’t be thankful for the illness, but they can be thankful for the loving support of the nurses or for the sun shining through the window or for meals brought by a friend. There is always something to be thankful for in those dark times if you look around.

God knew that when we walk through those valleys in life we need hope. Being thankful in all circumstances, even the hard ones, helps because it’s hard to be lost in a pity party when you have praise or thanksgiving on your lips.

Finding the joy, talking to God prayer, and being thankful at all times are also great remedies to keep us in relationship with our heavenly Father. Doesn’t it make sense that would be his will for us? Anything that keeps us close to him would be his desire for us. We don’t need to make seeking God’s will a difficult task. Cling to the truth of this memory verse often.

Let’s pray. LORD, I come to you on bended knee. I do always seek to be living in your will. These verses let me know I don’t need to overthink or make it complicated. I am overflowing with gratefulness for all that you have done for me. I do rejoice in the joy I feel when I remember your love for me. Help me do a better job of always having prayer on my lips. Fill me anew with your wisdom and strength for this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.