Find Joy, Talk to God, Give Thanks

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

• Rejoice always - The Christian who remains in sadness and depression really breaks a commandment: in some direction or other he mistrusts God--His power, providence, forgiveness. That is not to say there isn't a time for sadness and or grief. But it does mean that a Christian understands joy, knows that it isn't a feeling because of a current situation, but a state of being because we are children of God. We rejoice always because Jesus is with us and forgives us unconditionally. 

• Pray continually - We are not expected to spend 24/7 assuming a prayer posture, but to experience prayer as a state of mind, a constant consideration as we go through our day. Prayer is a path to a relationship with Jesus that grows and is nurtured each day. When I dedicate my day to God and what He wants for me and from me each day - it is as if I am praying continually.

• Give thanks in all circumstances - Now this is a tall order. How do we give thanks in all circumstances? How do we praise and offer thanksgiving when all around us is in shambles? I know that God grows me and my faith when I face challenges and even catastrophes. I also know that when I am feeling low and am in the midst of a pity party, I only need to acknowledge my many blessings and my eyes and heart are open to new possibilities.

I would love to hear how you practice/apply these verses in your life. How do you rejoice always; Pray continually; Give thanks in all circumstances? Feel free to comment below, and for those of you who are not inclined to do this, please send me an email and I can read your thoughts and communicate further if you like.