Always

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice; pray; give thanks.  These things are easy enough.  You know, when things are going good and everyone is happy.  You bet.  I love those times.  You can feel on top of the world, that God is blessing not just your every move, but your every step.  I love it.

And it doesn’t happen that often.  Job, who was one of the most dour Calvinists ever, once said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Visit Job 1:21)

The reality is that life is an odd mixture of ups and downs. We all go through them. Some, like Job, went through more of the downs than most of us, I suppose.  But we all have them.  Still, I am reminded that Job’s statement comes as he is in the process of falling on the ground and worshiping God. (Job 1:20)

Rejoice; pray; give thanks.  Job, ultimately, was. Paul’s note in the passage from 1 Thessalonians is a reminder to people, who may have been living a Job–like episode, that our attitude needs to be that of  rejoice; pray; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Because if we understand and are living within the will of God in Christ Jesus, ultimately the good will happen. Paul says it succinctly in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

All things work together for good…those who love him…according to his purpose.

If you are in his will, no matter what your current circumstances may be, good will prevail. I’ve read the book.  I know who wins.

So.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  And blessed be the name of the Lord.  Always.

Link to "Blessed be the name of the Lord" by Tree63