“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
A joyful spirit is always in keeping with our belief in a risen Lord and a coming Savior. In one of the shortest verses in the Bible, Paul simply says, “Rejoice always.” In our blackest night, there are blessings to consider and, if we keep our face toward the day of Christ’s return, the shadows of life will not overwhelm us.
In our rejoicing, Paul also encourages prayer. He says, “pray without ceasing.” It is not so much that we are commanded to be always praying as it is that we are to be constant in our habit of prayer. Jesus said that we should “at all times…pray and not lose heart” (Lk. 18:1).
In addition to rejoicing and prayer, Paul adds, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Rejoice, pray, and be thankful–that’s about as practical a formula for personal happiness as can be found anywhere. In the fourth chapter of Philippians, Paul connects all three of these elements with peace of mind when he writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4–7). May God bless you with true happiness as you seek His glorious presence.
— Glen Elliott —