Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

To rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks sound like ordinary things we should do as Christians. But when you add the other parts of these verses you have a real challenge. They say:

     – Rejoice evermore;

     – Pray without ceasing,

     – And in everything give thanks.

The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps in constant communion with Him will see many reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving all day long.

“Pray without ceasing” is talking about the attitude of the heart and the desire of the heart. When our heart desires what God desires, we are praying all day long as the Spirit intercedes for us and in us.

Thanksgiving is a time when many people will sit back and reflect on the many blessings of God. It is a time when our minds think of things we are thankful for and how we have seen the Lord work in our lives.

It is a time when our minds think of things we are thankful for and how we have seen the Lord work in our lives.

So what should we be thankful for? The verse says we are to give thanks in everything. When I think of giving thanks in everything, three ideas come to mind.

1. I Look Up and Give Thanks

Looking up I say, “thank You, Lord.” Thank you Lord:

• For Your Son Jesus Christ.
• For Your love for the world.
• For Your sovereign control over all our circumstances.
• For Your commitment to us even when we sometimes wander astray.
• For Your Word that gives us direction.
• For Your holy character in spite of our sinfulness.
• For Your love that holds us close to You.
• For Your gentle compassion in our sorrows.
• For Your consistent faithfulness through our good times and bad times.
• For Your strong “no” when we need to hear it.
• For Your surprising “yes” when we lack the faith to believe it.
• For Your wise “wait” when we are impatient.
• For Your understanding when we are confused.
• For Your Spirit that enlightens our eyes.
• For Your grace that removes our guilt.

Thank you, Lord:

• For all You are,
• For all You do,
• And for all You say.

I can look up and give thanks in everything.

2. I Look Around and Give Thanks

Looking around I say, “thank You, Lord.” Thank you:

• For our wonderful church.
• For our pastor and the church leaders.
• For the opportunity to give our tithe and give to missions.
• For our families that God has given us.
• For teachers, mentors, and personal heroes who encourage and challenge us.
• For an opportunity to be of help and encouragement to others.
• For the embrace of a friend who really cares.
• For the joy of seeing our children and grandchildren grow and learn.
• For an occupation that enables us to make a living.
• For the wonderful country we live in.
• For a place to live, clothes to wear, and food to eat.

Thank you, Lord, for such incredible care. By just looking around, we are made aware of how God blesses and how thankful we should be.

3. I Look Within and Give Thanks

Looking within I can say, “thank you, Lord.” Thank you:

• For the gift of Salvation.
• For the gift of life.
• For the eyes that see the beauty of Your creation.
• For minds that are curious, creative, and competent.
• For memories of past pleasures and recent accomplishments,
• For ears that receive the world of sounds around us.
• For special stimulation of taste and touch.
• For hands to work with and legs to walk with.
• For heartaches that force us to rearrange our priorities.
• For broken dreams and lingering afflictions that humble us.
• For the courage to tell the truth though it hurts.
• For the determination to finish a demanding task.
• For a sense of humor that brings healing and hope.

So I encourage you to pause and declare to God your expressions of gratitude. Thank of who He is and what He has done for you and

REJOICE evermore.

He is worthy of our highest praise.

• Look up and give thanks.
• Look around and give thanks.
• Look within and give thanks.
• For this is the will of God.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18