Consistent Lifestyle!

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NIV.

Reality sucks. All around us, life happens. Life starts, and life ends. For some, the birth of a child signifies a new phase, while the death of someone else signifies the closure of a painful phase. Sometimes, there is the irreversible damage a fire brings, or a storm leaves in its wake. All around us, news of famine, rumours of wars and conflicts fill the air. One can be easily unsettled by the news and events that surround you, but today's extract seems to focus on something different.

It appears that what is important is what is going on inside of me, not what is going on all around me. I can face a storm with the right attitude if my heart condition is right. I can smile in the face of disaster if my heart is in the right frame. I am enjoined to rejoice always not because there won't be difficulties ahead, but because the difficulties shouldn't define me. I am enjoined to pray continually, not because God is hard of hearing, but to strengthen my relationship with God and understand how he works. I am enjoined to give thanks in ALL circumstances, because I have this clear understanding that with God, there are no accidents or mistakes. Everything he allows is to teach a lesson, and to prepare me for the future he already has in mind.

In summary, I can choose to react or to predetermine my response to situations. I  get to choose which direction my life will take: either to take a risk with God, or to sacrifice God's best for my own personal arrangements. Both decisions have eternal consequences. His time of favour is here.