Always God’s Will

Always God’s Will

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

MULTITUDES WRESTLE WITH FINDING God’s will for their lives—where to go, what to do, who to be in relationship with, how to make a lasting difference in a needy world. These are important questions, of course, and God is eager to walk with us as we seek out the answers. He promises his wisdom and guidance. But we’re missing something if we seek God’s specific will for future direction without stopping and paying attention to the direction he has already clearly revealed. If we truly want to know his will for our lives, it begins here: “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.” This is the climate of his Kingdom every moment of every day, and it’s where he wants us to live.

Why is this important? Because prayer and faith flourish in a climate of joy and gratitude. That’s why Paul sandwiches prayer between these twin attitudes of celebration in this verse. It’s one thing to never stop praying out of despair, urgency, neediness, unworthiness, and lack. It’s another to never stop praying out of joy, hope, gratitude, security, and fullness. God may graciously answer our desperate prayers, but he enters into our joyful and hopeful prayers with his presence. These prayers recognize who he is and what his Kingdom is like, and he joins the celebration.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s realistic to give thanks in all circumstances and experience joy in the trials of life, here’s the answer. God wouldn’t tell us to do it if it couldn’t be done. He has given us complete assurance that we can trust in him to guard our lives and provide for our needs. We are not immune from pain, but regardless of our experience, we can be sure we will never find ourselves beyond his reach. All of our experiences, mistakes, and pain are redeemable. We already know everything works out for our good and there is glory in the end. Prayer and faith flourish in hearts that choose to dwell in that assurance now, joyfully giving thanks.

Joy flows right on through trouble. . . . It is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart.