Rejoice!

“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

Rejoice. When you hear the word rejoice, most  people think of something positive occurring, a   time of celebration, or a happy event. But, is Paul telling us to rejoice only in the good times? What about when a loved one is diagnosed with a  life-threatening illness? God can’t expect you to    rejoice in difficult times, can He? That is precisely what Paul is commanding when he says, “Rejoice always.” The Holy Spirit, through Paul, was writing   to encourage and comfort the Thessalonian believers. In 1 Thessalonians 5, he encourages them to live in a way that pleases God daily. He warns them to be prepared at all times for Christ’s return (verses 4–6).

Your joy should never depend on your   circumstances. Many Christians chase after            happiness, which depends on our circumstances.   On the other hand, joy does not depend on our  circumstances but our faith and obedience in Christ. If you are generally an unhappy person, you need to stop and ask yourself, “Why don’t I rejoice in all my circumstances”?   A.J. Mason, in his commentary on  1 Thessalonians, said, “The Christian who remains in sadness and depression really breaks a commandment: in some direction or other he mistrusts God—His power, providence, forgiveness.”

Throughout chapter 5, Paul writes to encourage     believers and instruct them in their daily living and relating to one another.

He writes:

Comfort and edify one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Respect all leaders (verses 12–13)

Warn the unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, and be patient with one another (verse 4)

Treat everyone with kindness (verse 15)

Rejoice always (verse 16)

Pray without ceasing (verse 17)

Give thanks (verse 18)

Do not quench the Spirit (verse 19)

Test all teachings (verses 20–21) Avoid evil (verse 22)

These exhortations are a great reminder to all      Christians. Our circumstances and feelings should never stop us from rejoicing, praying, giving thanks, showing respect, or acting kindly.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark