Advent Devotions: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

 May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

Have you ever asked yourself, "What is the will of God for me?" Have you ever asked the Lord in prayer, "Lord, what is your holy will for my life?" Most followers of Christ at some point want to discern this question, seeking to be obedient to God's will in our lives. 

The truth is, there are many, many things that we could be or do that would fit into God's will for our lives. There's not just one vocation, or one location where we can serve. God can use us wherever we are; the key to being within God's will is given in this passage. Read it again. 

Did you catch it? "Rejoice ALWAYS." That means no matter the circumstances of life through at you - be filled with joy! The Spirit provides this joy for you so you don't have to be concerned with manufacturing it on your own. The joy of the Lord is a true joy that comes even in the worst of times - especially in the darkest of times.

"Give thanks in ALL circumstances." This can be a tough one, even for the most trusting disciples. But that's the message - give thanks in ALL circumstances! You have no idea in this moment what God will provide for you and he wants you to trust him fully and completely. You can't do that if you are depending on your own brute strength to get you through, now can you? You can't let God be God if you have to be in control! So give thanks in those moments when you have lost control, because there God will gladly take over with his perfect, Fatherly love and care.

So, back to the will of God in our lives --- two things that characterize it and the rest is up for grabs as to circumstances, holy choices, location, vocation etc. 1) Rejoice Always and 2) Give thanks in all circumstances. 

For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, for YOU! Amen.

Holy God, grant that we would turn our worries and our whole lives over to you and give thanks for whatever may come our way for we know that you are present with us in sickness and in health and in feast or famine. Help us to follow your will and grant us peace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.