September 16 2026

September 16 Wednesday

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we come to three of the shortest verses in the New Testament. But although they are short, they contain enough truth to challenge us for a lifetime. First Thessalonians 5:16–18 says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Three commands: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. Let's look at them one at a time.

First: “Rejoice always.” Paul does not say rejoice only when everything is going well. He says always. How is that possible? Because Christian joy is not based primarily upon our circumstances. It is based upon the Lord. Paul wrote from prison in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Circumstances change. Our health changes. Our finances change. Relationships change. But Jesus Christ does not change. Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” So even when we cannot rejoice in what is happening, we can rejoice in the Lord. We can rejoice that our sins are forgiven. We can rejoice that God loves us. We can rejoice that He will never leave us. We can rejoice that heaven is our home.

Then Paul says: “Pray without ceasing.” Does that mean we should spend every waking moment on our knees? Obviously not. Paul himself worked, preached, traveled, and ministered. The idea is that prayer should be the continuing attitude of our hearts. Our communication with God should never be permanently disconnected. We can pray while driving. We can pray while walking. We can pray while working. We can whisper a prayer before a difficult conversation. We can thank God when something good happens. We can ask for wisdom the moment we need it. Prayer should become as natural to the Christian as breathing.

Then Paul says: “In everything give thanks.” Notice he does not necessarily say for everything. There are painful things in life for which we do not naturally give thanks. We do not call evil good. But in everything, we can still find reasons to thank God. Why? Because we know God is still with us. We know He still loves us. We know He can work even through difficult circumstances. Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” It does not say all things are good. But God can work through all things for our ultimate good and His glory.

And then Paul makes a statement we should not overlook: “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” People often ask: “What is God's will for my life?” Here is part of the answer. God wants you to be a rejoicing Christian. A praying Christian. And a thankful Christian. That doesn't require discovering some hidden secret. God has clearly revealed it in His Word. Sometimes gratitude changes our entire perspective. We can become so focused on what we don't have that we forget what God has already given us. Perhaps today we should stop and count some blessings. The gift of life. Family. Friends. Our salvation. God's Word. The privilege of prayer. The promise of heaven. And above everything else: Jesus Christ.

No matter what today holds, if we belong to Christ, we have reasons to rejoice, reasons to pray, and reasons to give thanks. So maybe we can carry these three short commands with us all day: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for these simple but powerful instructions. Teach us to rejoice not merely in favorable circumstances but in You. Help us to develop a continual attitude of prayer so that throughout the day our hearts remain in fellowship with You. And Lord, make us thankful people. Even in difficult circumstances, open our eyes to Your goodness, faithfulness, and presence. Help us to live today according to Your will—rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. In His name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!