"What is God's will for my life?"
That is a common question that we all ask at one time or another.
Paul gives the answer in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
This is not necessarily the answer that we are looking for. Most of us are looking for specific instruction on specific decisions that we have to make at specific times. We want to know what to do at the various crossroads in life that we encounter.
But Paul's instruction is meant to give us the right mindset to make wise decisions in every circumstance of our lives. It is similar to Proverbs 3:5-6:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
So what is God's will for us today…and for every day?
Rejoice always…
There are around 70 commands in the NT to rejoice (e.g., Philippians 4:4). Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and vital aspect of our walk with Christ. Joy is not a pasted-on smile or a denial of the trials and tragedies of life. It is an inner contentment and trust in the Lord that chooses to see everything in life through the lens of grace.
This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
Pray without ceasing…
We are to live in communion with God, going through life with a God-centered focus and dependency.
George Muller (1805-98) was perhaps one of the most faithful men of prayer in history. His story of trust in God as he cared for over 10,000 orphans and started over 100 schools in England, all without ever asking for a penny, is a testimony of God's power and grace. His secret?
“I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk about, when I lie down and when I rise up. And the answers are always coming. Thousands and tens of thousands of times have my prayers been answered. When once I am persuaded that a thing is right and for the glory of God, I go on praying for it until the answer comes."
