Give Thanks | Short Sermon Series
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
The Thessalonian church was under heavy persecution – those who had professed their faith in Christ were having their properties seized, they were prevented from working, shunned by their families, insulted, beaten and even put to death.
Understandably, Paul was worried about these young Christians who were enduring such hardship. It was in this context that he penned this letter to the Thessalonians to encourage them to persevere through their trials.
We are blessed to be in a country where we can practice our faith freely without worrying about the same persecution that the Thessalonians faced. However, that’s not to say that being a Christian today is easy. As Christians, we are called to live radically different lives from the world, and that might mean abstaining from certain activities or subscribing to different values – all of which might draw disdain or ire from others. But let us not be discouraged!
In times when we feel like we are a fish out of water, may we remember Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians that still rings true for us today, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. No matter what you face each day, it is our prayer that you would never lose the joy of the Lord. Let us keep praising and keep praying in the valleys and on the mountain tops, looking not to what is seen, but what is unseen. No matter the trial, we can rest in the assurance that our loving Father will always carry us through!