Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
You've heard it said, "Your attitude determines your altitude" as well as the King James version of the proverb (23:7), "as a man thinketh, so he is.". The truth is that these quotes as well as today's text, are right. If we choose to rejoice that sets in motion an attitude of cheer. I've always thought that rejoice meant to have joy over and over again, thus the "re" in that word. Keep in mind the challenges and sufferings of early Christians, it was easy to give up and to be discouraged. The writer knew that his readers in that time as well as today could begin their day with a decision to have joy in their heart. The next step was to be in a state of prayer all the time, a worshipful setting of conversation with God, a constant connection with God. Then the last verse, to be thankful in all settings. You've known people like that. Why can't we be the same?
This is true for the Church. Ours is a gracious task to share the good news of God's love and yet we find in so many of them attitudes of despair and defeat. We have a choice each day as individuals and as churches, why choose that which can "steal, kill, and destroy?" (John10:10)
PRAYER: God of power and might, let me choose to follow Your Word and to be a person of joy, prayer, and thankfulness today and all days. Mi ask this in Christ Jesus my Lord, amen.
