Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We've all heard the phrase "the grass is always greener on the other side."
In other words, it is human nature to think that everything would be better if we could just change our circumstances. If we just had this, or we just didn't have that - if we only lived there, or we only didn't have to live with them...
If [blank] then I would be finally be happy.
While this way of thinking seems to make lots of sense according to human reason, it is actually a complete illusion.
We have to keep in mind that the man who told us to "rejoice always" is the same man who spent his life going from persecution, to shipwreck, to stoning, to imprisonment, and finally to execution.
If Paul was waiting for his circumstances to improve before he allowed himself to rejoice, he would have needed to wait until he exited this world.
It can be difficult to discern exactly where God wants us to be in different seasons of our lives. Should I take this job or that job? Should I volunteer with this ministry or that ministry? Should I join this church or that church?
We can make ourselves go crazy thinking we need to be perfect with regard to the constant stream of decisions life throws at us. After all, we only have 24 hours each day and we want to make the most of every minute we have here.
But this process becomes astoundingly simple when we really take these words of Paul to heart: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
When we obey these words, we come to realize three things:
First, that true joy is completely independent of physical circumstances.
Second, that we have 24/7 access to the source of life itself through prayer.
And third, that (if we actually believe the gospel) there is never a moment in our lives when we do not have reason to be overflowing with gratitude.
He will lead us to exactly where we need to be. Our only job is to to keep our eyes on Him.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be added to you
Matt 6:33
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