Overflowing with gratitude. I love the idea in these three words. They create a picture of abundance. I picture Believers as God‘s vessel, gratitude pouring out of us like water from a pitcher or a fountain or as a river bringing life-giving water to those along its path.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in the NIV says we are to “rejoice always.”

Always is a lot. Always is when things are going poorly, just as when things are going well. 

It’s interesting to see how other versions translate Paul’s words. In the NLT the verse reads “always be joyful.“ The Message says “be cheerful, no matter what.” 

When I read that last version, I’m reminded of the verse that talks about how we are to fast and give and pray by not telling everyone what we are doing. We’re not to walk around holding our stomachs and groaning about how hungry we are or tithe with coins that clink loudly in the collection basket or stand on the corner, praying in theatrical voices. Instead, we’re do these things in secret, so only God knows. And we should remain cheerful and wearing our normal clothes when we fast instead of making a big production of things. 

I see this idea of constant cheerfulness like we’re always reminding ourselves and those around us that we have a reason to smile. Even if that smile trembles a little because we’re in a period of mourning or illness or difficulty or trial whatever that might be. We still have a reason no matter what the circumstance to smile because this life isn’t about us. It’s about what Jesus did for us. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, hope remains no matter our circumstances.

Verse 17 says to pray continually. Again, this is a constant action that we as Christians should be engaging in. Not only are we to be joyful, cheerful, and overflowing with the gratitude of rejoicing, we are to be praying through all of that as well. So this is like in our head, we have these two soundtracks going all the time. One of them is praise music and the other is prayer music. And they never cease. They just loop on and on. Now, that’s a tall order. But it is something we can strive for. Something we can work toward to be more like Christ.

There are ways that we can improve this constant running soundtrack in our head. 

Shut off the noise.

When is the last time you did anything without background noise? Most of us have sound entering our ears all the time. It might be the radio or podcasts or audiobooks or the t.v. Maybe you have kids at home or live in a noisy neighborhood. Whatever the case, finding a way to exist, even for a few minutes in silence, allows the Lord’s voice to come through. We must give ourselves time to hear Him if we expect answers to our prayers. Try driving or walking with out the radio or music. Try doing the dishes or folding laundry without the t.v. Soak in the stillness and listen for the Spirit’s nudges or the whispers of God.

Also, we must do away with negative self talk. If you belong to Christ, there’s no reason you should be talking bad about yourself in your head. Those negative thoughts are not from Jesus. They’re from the brokenness of this world and from our flesh. We need to banish those and replace them with words of gratitude. With rejoicing and cheerfulness. With positivity. Because God doesn’t see you as “not enough.” He sees you through the lens of Christ’s righteousness. And that is more than enough.

The message version of verse 18 says “thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you, who belong to Christ Jesus, to live.”

Several other versions say “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

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

If you’re like me, I’m sure at one point, you’ve prayed to know the will of God. Right here Paul tells us His will for us is to praise Him, to give Him thanks all the time, no matter what. So for me, this is a relief because I don’t have to wonder “What does God want me to do?” Right here it says I’m to praise him.

That’s what we were born to do and when you get down on yourself because maybe you don’t think you’re doing enough, praying enough, reading the Bible enough, give God praise. Overflow with gratitude, and know that when you praise and pray, you are fulfilling God’s will for your life. 

So as we move through the month of November toward the Thanksgiving holiday, I pray these words will bless you and point you to the One who redeemed each one of us from our brokenness and wants to have a personal relationship with you.

Thanks for reading! Please like and share if this post blessed you.