Life!

Life!

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16‭-‬18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

[16] Rejoice evermore. 

[17] Pray without ceasing. 

[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

1 verse with 2 words, the next verse with 3 words and the last with a lot of words, but the messages are all interwoven. 3 different verses with different perspectives, but all focused on the same source and the same impact. The verses focus on integral parts of my walk with God, and what I must do to keep the fire burning. The first is to rejoice evermore. Unless you have a spring of joy that never runs dry, this verse will not be possible. It means that for me to rejoice evermore, I have the source and sustainer of joy living inside me. I cannot exhibit or give out what I do not have. Joy isn't about having everything you ask for, but having the Presence of the Giver of joy Himself. A man's life does not consist of the abundance of the things he possesses. I am not defined by the quantity or price of my physical goods, but by the Person who defines what is really important in my life. Who is that to you? Remember, who controls your life defines your life's output. If what I exhibit regularly is not joy, I need to check again who is in charge. 

Of course, the internal controls the external. If I have joy, I do not need to be compelled to pray always or to give thanks in every situation. If I know this is the person who births and sustains the peace and security in my heart and life, I will do all I can to speak to Him and to obtain directions on a regular basis. Prayer must be done without ceasing, because I know it is the source of my strength and sustenance and growth. Prayer is also the asking of and the receiving of instruction and direction from God. I do not know anything about anything, but the help of the One who holds and knows tomorrow is critical to success. And when the help comes, in whatever shape or form, I must not forget to give thanks. Whatever He allows is for my good, and nothing happens to me without His express permission. God wants to be glorified in me, and when he does mighty things, the least I can do is to give him thanks. I note that these are express commands, not points of negotiation. Would I do them, so I can enjoy the fullness of God's grace? As always, the choice is mine. God's time of favour is here.