1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
There are several passages of Scripture that speak of God’s will. Matt. 6:10 (NIV) reads, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Eph. 5:17 (NKJV) states, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Another passage from Rom. 12:2 (ESV) proclaims, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
In the Matthew verse, the person praying is asking for God’s will to be done without stating conditions. The Ephesians passage plainly tells the reader to understand God’s will. Discerning the will of God is emphasized in Romans 12. These are very broad brush strokes and most people are very comfortable with this.
Then along comes Paul with a different perspective on God’s will in his very short passage from 1 Thessalonians 5. I have read this passage quite often throughout my life. It seems simple enough. We should rejoice always. We should pray continually. We should give thanks for all things. There is nothing complicated here. Until today, I have never really paid much attention to the last phrase, “for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” This changes things and, mysteriously for me, makes the first three proclamations more challenging.
We ask for God’s will. We want to understand and discern God’s will. Yet, we do not always rejoice. We do not always pray. We do not always give thanks. Ironically, this is God’s will for you and I. Perhaps a new perspective about God’s will has been introduced to you today. This is something to remember when we are stuck in traffic, do not receive the promotion we desire, have a close friend or family member pass, or any other scenario you can imagine.
Rejoice! Pray always! Give thanks in all things! This is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC
Thanks Mike and thank the Lord for His guidance and Word. This reminds me of James 1 “consider it pure joy when ye face divers temptations.” The perseverance and understanding that follows(I now understand) is part of God’s will as well.
Hi Mark, of many areas, certainly perseverance is necessary in the life of a Christian.
Thank you Michael for your daily work in all areas.
Praise the Lord, David! All for His glory!
Great thoughts and truths. I need to do a better job of accepting Gods will.
Hi Carolyn. You are not alone. Easier said than done some days.