November, 2002

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Some biblical scholars called these three verses as “the standing orders of the church.” Paul wrote these “orders” to the church in Thessalonica to remind the Christians to be joyful, to pray, and to give thanks at all times. Interestingly, Paul chose to write this in an imperative mood—a command.

“Be joyful always.” There is a significant difference between “happy” and “joyful.” I am not happy if I get sick and can’t do what I want to do. But I can still be a joyful person because my life philosophy is based on more than my health. In life, we can’t always be happy, but since we are satisfied with what God is doing, we can always find reasons to be joyful. Since our lives are tucked in Jesus Christ and the reality of God’s love is experienced, with His grace, we can handle losses—a game, a job, health, or even a life.

“Pray continually.” Let us be realistic. Paul had no intention for us to put everything on hold and pray twenty-four hours a day. One bible commentator clarified this point. He wrote, “It is not the moving of the lips, but in the elevation of the heart to God, that the essence of prayer consists.” Here, Paul wasn’t telling us to say “prayers” continually; he was telling us to lift our hearts to God at all times—good, as well as the bad. Knowing the distinction, we can apply this verse by living with a growing awareness that God is always present in our lives.

“Give thanks in all circumstances.” It seems to be quite impossible to put this verse into practice. How can we give thanks to God in everything that happens? Many circumstances are direct consequences of either our own sins or evil deeds of others. How can we thank God for the innocent lives that were taken by the sniper in the East Coast? We can’t. But while we may not be able to give thanks for all the things that may happen, yet we can give thanks in everything because we have confidence that God is always present and is always at work for good, though we may not understand how.

To be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances “is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Obedience to these three commands is not easy. But Christ does want us to live a life of joy, prayer, and gratitude. Though a command, yet it’s our choice. It is for our own good that we choose to oblige.

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