1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Prayer is designed to be the joyful, thankful, personal interaction with our Father in heaven.

Knowing it is God’s will to always rejoice is a challenging statement for most us. Joy is not the fruit of good life experiences as much as it is the fruit of being loved.  Since our Father in heaven always loves us, we can be joyful in any situation. We can experience this joy by focusing on our Father’s never-failing presence and love for us. So, when the car dies we can make a choice to rejoice in the presence, love and confident provision, of God.  We can have joy knowing that no matter how difficult the circumstances, we are loved and with our Father.  Paul, who wrote this, truly knew what it was to suffer, and yet to find true joy.

Giving thanks in all circumstances appears to be a challenge as well.  Again, this is a choice to reorient our focus.  Everything in this life is temporal and passing away. The work that the Father is doing in us is eternal. In every circumstance we can make a choice to thank Him for His presence and protection, His wisdom and the hope of our future with Him.  Even in the most difficult days of life, we can know that our Father will partner with us to love those around us, and will be present with us, in His love and care, to redeem the darkest of days.

God has commanded us to rejoice always and give thanks all the time because He wants us to realize His presence and love surrounding  us.