“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I have read this verse over and over again and have even committed it to memory and yet, recently, I was struck with the last three words, “in Christ Jesus.” This verse has mostly felt like a goal that is way far off and even impossible, but these three words have changed everything for me. I have mostly tried to do these three commands out of my own strength and grit. Oh how I have sold myself short, forgetting who it is that is within me. Jesus Christ, who all the fullness of God dwells in, dwells in me! And because of that, the impossible is now possible.
I can rejoice in the One who saved me from myself and gives me new life. I can have intimate conversations with the God of the universe whenever I want. I don’t have to give thanks for every circumstance, but I can give thanks in everything that happens to me. I can be grateful that, regardless my circumstances, I have a God who is working all things for His good.
God’s will for us is that we fully embrace all that we have in Christ and all that we are in Christ. His will for us is that we would be full of joy, in perfect, constant union with Him, and be able to give thanks regardless of our circumstances. We can accomplish these three commands with three words, “in Christ Jesus.”
Spend some time in prayer giving all you are to all that He is. Ask Him to remind you of who you really are “in Christ Jesus.”
“Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 TPT
Two Minutes with God 