Be happy always; Pray constantly; Give thanks in every situation, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thoughts on today’s verse…
Where does your heart live? That’s what these verses remind us to ask ourselves. They challenge us to look at where we spend the most time and what we focus on most in our hearts. Is there a constant awareness in our lives that God is present? Is He the invisible but ever-present companion in all our ups and downs? Or is God with us when it’s convenient and gone when things get busy, or do you think everything is going well? Happiness comes from knowing that we are never alone. Prayer is a conversation going on between us, soul to soul, child to Abba, man to God. Thanksgiving and joy are great reminders that we have been generously blessed, no matter what our temporary external circumstances suggest. It is God’s will for us to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Why? Because practicing these three things causes us to overcome momentary challenges that do not compare to the glory that is within us with Jesus (Romans 8:18-19).
My prayer…
Precious and righteous Father, thank you for always being with me. Please, dear Abba, use the Spirit to create in me a deeper appreciation and a deeper awareness of Your presence. May my life reflect the happiness that you have given me by saving me with your grace. And may my heart always be thankful for my home with you in anticipation of the day when that home will be fully realized. Through the name of Jesus, my Savior and Friend, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
