1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
I like to do some baking from time-to-time. More so around the holidays. One of my husband’s favorite cookies is fruit sticks that are a recipe passed down from his great grandmother on his dad’s side. These cookies are a combination of raisins, almonds, spices, cloves, flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. I enjoy making this recipe as it consistently makes tasty cookies, and it has meaning for our family as well.
The apostle Paul lays out the perfect recipe not only for the Christians in Thessalonica, but for us as well. It is a consistent recipe of rejoicing, praying without stopping, and giving thanks in everything. I must admit that as a parent of a child with extraordinary challenges, what seems like a simple recipe can be difficult. How can I always rejoice as I am on my way to another medical appointment or paying another medical bill? Or how can I give thanks in all circumstances when my child is not progressing or is moving from one struggle to the next, and I am at a loss as to how to support her? A wise pastor once helped me see this passage in a new light. Let’s break it down.
Rejoice always: Not only does God provide us with the daily necessities of food, a home, and family/friends who love and support us; we are also wrapped in his robe of forgiveness and promise of eternal life every day. All reasons to rejoice!
Pray continually: God wants us to talk to him as we would talk to our best friend or our own father. He knows the smallest details of our lives, so he knows how important it is for us to lay our burdens on him. Keep praying, even if it is just, “Jesus, please help.” He does and will continue to answer in a way that only he can. So, pray!
Give thanks in all circumstances: The secret is the word “in” everything give thanks. We may not be feeling like giving thanks “for” all situations, but “in” all situations. We can’t do this with our own strength, but only with the help of the Lord. He will give us a reason to give thanks, no matter what situation we find ourselves in. Another way to put it: God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. So parenting friend, I know you will find yourself in situations that make it hard to give thanks, but look to what the Lord is doing for you and your family, and give thanks!
For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus: So, dear parent, stick with a recipe that works by rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. The Lord will give you what you need to make this recipe work as he is working out his will for you in Christ. May this be a source of peace for you.
Dear Lord, you are our Creator and know what is best for us and our children. Lead us to continue in your Word so that it becomes easier to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. May we always see your hand and your blessings in everything. Amen.
By Pam Schleg