"Embracing the Will of God" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

 

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 ESV

 

What is the will of God for my life? There is a will that God wants us to practice in our lives. 1 Thessalonians tells us what the will of God is. It is simple.  

 

1.     Rejoice always

2.     Pray continually  

3.     Always give thanks  

 

By following these commands we will exhibit the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  

 

1.     Rejoice always

The first command tells us to be joyful. This joy is not happiness. Happiness is external and dependent on circumstances. Our joy is from the Lord. It should not matter what goes on in our life. 

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:4 ESV

 

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10 ESV

 

The people who were building the temple and the wall knew they needed strength and that strength was joy from the Lord.

 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:12 ESV

 

David knew when he had sinned and lost his joy.

 

2.     Pray continually  

We need to pray constantly.  We need to live in God's presence. this consciousness of God is with us. This can only be done through prayer. Prayer is very important in our own life. We need to set aside a time to be with God in prayer. God is waiting for us to pray. Create a time of prayer and stick to it.

 

 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 ESV

 

God is waiting to hear our prayers about everything. Worry will only take away our joy.  

 

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2 ESV

 

When we do not pray, we are saying to God that we do not need him.

 

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

Luke 18:1 ESV

 

Prayer is timeless. A consistent month of prayer will bring changes in your life.

 

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.

James 5:16-17 ESV

 

We need to pray every day because it is the will of God. A deliberate attempt to seek God will be rewarded.

 

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Romans 8:26 ESV

 

The Holy Spirit will help us with prayer when we do not have the words.

 

The Devil does not want us to pray. This is why it is hard to pray.

 

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Ephesians 6:18 ESV

 

We need to pray for others, especially for people   

 

3.     Always give thanks

 

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

 

Even when we do not get what we pray for or we are still waiting for it. We need to thank God for failures and successes.

 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Psalm 100:4 ESV

 

 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 107:1 ESV

 

Thank God for the mountains and the valleys. God will see our grateful hearts.

 

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2 ESV

 

So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

John 11:41 ESV