Introduction

Life presents us with a series of highs and lows, victories and struggles. It’s easy to find joy when things are going well, but what about when they aren’t? How do we maintain a heart of gratitude when life feels like it’s falling apart? How do we—or do we—help each other navigate life’s valleys and peaks? These questions often challenge us, but in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul offers clear, life-giving guidance, which he says is God’s will for us, assuring us that if we follow it, we are in fact cooperating with Him:

In verses 16 through 18, this passage gives us three simple yet powerful commands that can transform how we navigate life’s roller coasters.

Rejoice Always

“Rejoice always” seems almost impossible at first glance. How can we be joyful when we’re facing difficulties, grief, or loss? But Paul isn’t telling us to ignore our pain or pretend life is always perfect. Instead, he’s encouraging us to find our joy in the unchanging character and promises of God. Our circumstances may change, but God does not. We can rejoice because of who God is and what He has done for us, for what He will continue to do for us.

True joy comes from our relationship with God, not from external circumstances. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (emphasis added to focus on where we can find fullness of joy). As we live our lives in God’s presence, rejoicing becomes a natural outflow. We are invited to experience a joy that transcends momentary happiness and is deeply rooted in God’s love and faithfulness.

Pray Continually

The second command, “pray continually,” invites us into a constant conversation with God. This doesn’t mean we should spend every moment on our knees in formal prayer, but that we maintain an open line of communication with Him throughout our day. It’s about cultivating a heart that is constantly aware of God’s presence and bringing everything—our hopes, fears, needs, and thankfulness—to Him.

Paul’s encouragement to “pray continually” also reminds us of the importance of dependency on God. Whether life is smooth or stormy, prayer anchors us in God’s strength, wisdom, and peace. It’s through prayer that we stay connected to the One who knows us best and provides for our every need.

In Philippians 4:6, Paul reiterates, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Prayer is our lifeline, the means by which we draw close to God in every circumstance.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Perhaps the most challenging of these commands is to “give thanks in all circumstances.” When life is difficult, our natural response is often frustration or despair, not gratitude. Yet, Paul reminds us that thankfulness is not dependent on our circumstances—it is a response to the goodness of God.

Even in hard times, we can thank God for His faithfulness, His love, and His promises. When we practice gratitude, we are reminded of how much God has already done for us. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is wrong to what is right—from what we lack to what we’ve been given.

James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” When we focus on those gifts, even in challenging times, we cultivate a heart of gratitude. Thankfulness also builds our trust in God, knowing that He is working for our good, even when we don’t understand the bigger picture.

A Life of Faith and Trust

Ultimately, these three commands—rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances—are about living a life of faith and trust in God. Paul closes this section of Scripture with a powerful reminder in 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

God calls us to these attitudes not to burden us, but because He knows they lead to abundant life. When we rejoice, pray, and give thanks, we open our hearts to receive more of God’s peace, love, and presence. We are reminded that God is in control, and He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us.

Conclusion: Living Out These Commands

Living out these commands takes practice and intentionality, especially in difficult times. But as we cultivate a heart of joy, remain steadfast in prayer, and give thanks in all circumstances, we find that God meets us where we are. He strengthens us, comforts us, and fills us with a peace that surpasses all understanding.

So today, ask yourself: how can I rejoice, pray, and give thanks in my current circumstances? Trust that God, who is faithful, will guide you and bring you through every challenge as you take these steps of faith.