Daily Devo
Keys to Victorious Living
By: Kathie Welch
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
Rejoice always? I admit, I don't always feel like rejoicing... But according to this verse, we are to rejoice always: in good times, joyful times, bountiful times—yes, that's when it's easy. But what about when times are difficult, painful, sorrowful, and uncertain? Yes, we are to rejoice in those times too! Paul is telling Christ followers to not base our joy on our circumstances, because they are transitory. Our joy must be based in God because He never changes!
- He loves us so much; He sent His only Son to die for us. (Romans 5:8)
- There is no guilt nor condemnation in our relationship with Him. (Romans 8:1)
- Nothing can separate us from His great love. (Romans 8:38-39)
- He has promised never to leave or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
Pray without ceasing. This is not an unrealistic, unattainable expectation. There are definite times when we need to fold our hands, close our eyes, and bow our heads to focus. It may be in our quiet time with God, or as we pray collectively in a group. But prayer is our ongoing communication (conversation) with Holy God who has opened the door and desires to have a relationship with us. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6). Imagine spending an entire day with your best friend beside you. You would be continually interacting and speaking with them, just as we should with our ever-present, faithful Father. In this verse, Paul is encouraging us that at any time, in any place, we can lift up our petitions, praise, and thanksgiving to God, or just have a grateful awareness that God is always with us.
In everything, give thanks. Notice the preposition, “in”. Paul is not saying give thanks for everything, but in everything! Why? Because we have the assurance that God is with us in everything, and He is in control of everything that happens—even though we can't always see it. Remember, we must walk by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). When we give thanks in difficult times, it helps put our circumstances in proper perspective: designed by God to grow us, not Satan's tools to destroy us. Giving Him thanks during life's difficult circumstances lifts up our God and crushes our enemy.
For this is God's will for you. Staying in His will, what better reason to rejoice, pray and give Him thanks!
Christ follower, these are your keys to victorious living!