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

Give thanks in all circumstances.  This may be the hardest of the 3 commands.  It’s hard to give thanks when life throws curveballs but look for the good and thank God for what you have or how he might work through a situation. Looking back, I can see times when God used what I thought was bad for good.  God knows best and is faithful and can be trusted.

Last section of the verse, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  God’s will for who?  God’s will for YOU!  Our all-knowing, everlasting father give us these commands so we can live life better. God’s way is best, and he calls us to respond in these ways for our own good.  He knows our sinful nature would wallow, cast stones, hold on to things, but he calls us to a higher way of thinking and responding by asking us to handle what is before us with much rejoicing, prayer and thankfulness.  Will you trust God’s guidance (commandments) and follow them to live the best life he has planned for you?