Encouraging Word
As we live in the world today, there are times when we are faced with confusion, chaos, and conflict. How do we respond to these challenges? The Apostle Paul gives us three recommendations in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. He says to rejoice, pray, and give thanks.
1. Rejoice. To rejoice means to express joy. Joy is a lasting emotion that comes from the choice to trust that God will fulfill His promises. Joy is deeper than happiness. Happiness is an emotion that depends on what happens. Joy is produced by the Holy Spirit from within. True joy is the confident assurance of God’s presence no matter what you are faced with.
2. Pray. After rejoicing, Paul says to pray without ceasing. This means to maintain an attitude of prayer. Prayer is communication with God when we talk and walk with Him. It produces communion with God, where we share life together, are in agreement, and have fellowship with Him. Prayer puts us in conscious contact with God and provides that vital connection with our Heavenly Father.
3. Give Thanks. After prayer, Paul encourages us to give thanks. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks…” Being grateful and having an attitude of gratitude is a powerful thing. Do you realize you can’t be negative and thankful at the same time? Try it and see.
To cope means to deal effectively with something difficult. When life gets difficult, remember Apostle Paul’s advice: to choose joy, continue to pray, and maintain a thankful heart.
-Tony Cooper
Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission
