Rejoice!

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 


How can I rejoice if I'm grieving for example, we may well ask. Jesus blessed those who mourn, for he promised we will be comforted. We can, as Paul puts it elsewhere, be sorrowful yet always rejoicing.

If we're happy we should sing praises to God. If we're sad we should pray. 'Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer'.

We're to be thankful to God whatever life throws at us. Why? Because all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

We should want to know what God's will is. We shouldn't be selfish. These verses are a good place to start.

'God, we thank you for our reasons to be cheerful, especially that Christ died for us. In his name we pray, amen'.

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