Continually

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
CONTINUALLY
1 Thess 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
NIV
No problem about being joyful always. I simply cannot understand why any believer would have a cause not to be joyful. No matter what this life brings, I am saved from the wrath of God and destined to spend the rest of eternity in the everlasting arms of my Lord. How could I not be joyful? Oh I see a lot of Christians walking around as if they are burdened with the weight of the world, or just burdened with their circumstances. But my Lord has told me to come onto him if I am heavy burdened and he would give me rest. That is surely cause to be joyful just in that alone. But he also brings so much more to the relationship that causes joy in my heart. Why would I not be thankful in all circumstances as I am admonished to be? I can see no reason at all not to be thankful. He has brought me out of darkness and into the glorious light. He has enlightened my heart with the knowledge of himself. He has always been by my side. He has told me he would never forsake me. No matter what happens in this life, I always have the confidence God will see me through it, and in fact I will be a better person for having experienced whatever it is. So often I hear believers complaining about something and that just doesn’t sound like giving thanks. I know if I am not watchful I could get catch up in that kind of attitude as well. But I should not, I cannot not because I know all things work to good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. I think that being joyful and giving thanks or being in the attitude of joyfulness and thankfulness are a result of continually being in the state of conversation with my Lord. I do not think it is possible to hide in my prayer closet all the time, I have to be about my life, my business, my duties and thus being in the attitude of prayer, or constantly being aware of the presence of God and conversing with him about those activities and my attitudes and reactions to situations is to me praying continually. I do not think prayer is just bringing a laundry list of my wants to God, but it is far more than that. It is being open to his leading, his voice, his directions, his desires for me, for my life, and how I am to live. Prayer is about listening far more than talking. This I can do when it comes to God. How else will I know his will for me? Maybe some sermon might speak to me too, but that is still a man and I cannot be absolutely certain he heard from God, But I can be sure if God speaks to me through his Word and Spirit. I think every person can do that too. Not just me, but God desires to speak to all his people. He desires them all to be joyful, thankful and hearing from him continually.