Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
This morning I read the verse of the day which was "pray without ceasing." Then I read the story on You Version which is about the daily verse. I haven't done this in awhile, but took the time to meditate on the Word and prayed this prayer. Father God, Let me always be mindful to pray without ceasing In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
I thought it was important to share these three instructions instead of just the daily verse. These three instructions combined are very powerful!!!
Rejoice always. I think too often we allow our circumstances to determine the way we feel. I know I do. Our joy comes from the Lord and is not determined by our circumstances. Joy is a choice that we make. Since we know that God is always watching over us, Jesus Christ is always with us, and the Holy Spirit resides is us, this alone gives us a reason to rejoice always. You woke up this morning by the very breath of God so rejoice.
Pray without ceasing. This is God's way of telling us He wants us to remain in constant communication with Him throughout our day. I think this is something we should all work on, because this is how we deepen our relationship with God, our Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The more time we spend with them as one the closer we feel to them. When we feel that close connection that is when we feel the Presence of God. We should long to stay in that presence! So, why would we hesitate instead of praying continuously?
It seems like we are always worried about time and often are too busy for Him. Here is something to think about. When you are praying time is still ticking and never stops. Right! What if we look at it a different way. We have no control over time, but we can learn to manage it better. Think of it this way. When we pray we never stop to look at the time. When we pray we don't think about the time we have lost or think about how we can gain time in the future by maybe eliminating something. Pause - stopping temporarily. This is what we are doing as we pray. When we learn to stop temporarily and pray we are living in the moment, connecting with God, longing to feel His Presence, it is as if momentarily time has stood still. Right?
In everything give thanks. We don't live by our circumstances and we shouldn't let them control the way we feel. I am not saying that life isn't hard because we all know from experience that it is. It is so easy to give thanks when everything is going well and we feel on top of the world. When we give thanks during the worst times of our life this is when God loves to hear these words "thank you." This is easier said than done, but by saying it we start to believe it. We are speaking gratitude into our lives during the midst of our pain. I believe this is what God hears. God I know you are in control and I trust you. I know you will see me through. You shower me with your unfailing love and it endures forever. I love you!
This is the will of God!