God’s Recipe

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

What would make you truly happy? Would it be not having math homework for a week? Or the chance to go on a fun vacation? How about getting to buy anything you want? Those things might make you happy, but the happiness would fade once the excitement of getting something or taking a trip wore off. Happiness is good, but joy is better.

Happiness is an emotion that changes depending on your feelings. When things are going well, you feel happy. Joy is beyond that. It’s an inner feeling that depends on God, not on things, situations, or people.

Paul told the Christians in Thessalonica to always be joyful because their joy came from knowing God and accepting Jesus’ gift of salvation. Paul gave them two more instructions—keep praying, and be thankful no matter what’s happening. These three actions—being joyful, praying about your needs, and thanking God—work together. If you are praying and thanking God for the things he’s given you, the joy flows from your heart. If you’re joyful inside, it’s easier to be thankful and to pray.

It’s good to have a special time when you pray, but it’s also good to say short prayers throughout the day. Pray for your teachers, tests, and school situations as you ride the bus to school. Pray for your friends as you see them in the hallway. Say a prayer in your heart when you hear of a particular need.

In addition to being joyful and praying, God wants you to be thankful for the things he has given you. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook your blessings because you take them for granted. Things like a house, clothing, and food seem commonplace, but there are people who don’t always have those things. The very things you take for granted just might be what other people are hoping for!

Ask God to fill your heart with his joy. Keep your heart connected to him through prayer. And thank him for the things he’s given you.

Write the words joy, prayer, and thanksgiving on separate index cards. Look up Philippians 4:4 and write it on the back of the joy card. Write three things you want to remember to pray for on the back of the prayer card. And write at least three things you are thankful for on the back of the thanksgiving card. Put them where you will see them often as a reminder of the three things you should do.