“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Thessalonians 5:16-18
The question that tormented me in my 20s was, “What is God’s will for my life?” As with many of you, too, my “once upon a time” did not exactly end up in a “happily ever after.” My plans were shattered. Things went off the rails very quickly and stayed there for over a decade.
Spiritually, I felt unattached and unmoored, floundering in a series of situations I’d never even dreamed of. What in the world was happening, and more importantly, why was God letting it happen? What was His will? Where was that “still, small voice” when I desperately needed it? Thankfully, the Bible addresses these very questions.
The answer is concise, not lengthy or rambling: we are to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. This is the will of God for us, through His Son, Jesus. If rejoicing in what’s going on is hard, then remember that we are not limited by our current situations. We can rejoice in the finished work of Christ, the One who carried out the will of His Father so that we could be made right with Him.
Spiritually, I felt unattached and unmoored, floundering in a series of situations I’d never even dreamed of. What in the world was happening, and more importantly, why was God letting it happen? What was His will? Where was that “still, small voice” when I desperately needed it? Thankfully, the Bible addresses these very questions.
The answer is concise, not lengthy or rambling: we are to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. This is the will of God for us, through His Son, Jesus. If rejoicing in what’s going on is hard, then remember that we are not limited by our current situations. We can rejoice in the finished work of Christ, the One who carried out the will of His Father so that we could be made right with Him.
Scripture Focus
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Insight
“What is the chief end of man?” “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q&A #1)
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 45-46
- Psalm 93
- Acts 16
