Your Part in God’s Will

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you.”

Often we spend more time thinking about what God’s will is for our lives rather than seeking his word for the answers. People desire purpose for their lives, and we often think what job we have gives us that purpose. Our purpose does not lie in WHAT we do, but rather HOW and WHY we do it. In everything, we should seek to bring glory to Christ. His word tells us this in Colossians 3:17:

“And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Our first passage in 1 Thessalonians provides a particular formula of our part in God’s will for our lives. First, we should REJOICE! That word means to SHOW our happiness to others and not keep it contained for ourselves. Verse 17 reminds us to pray continually keeping a constant conversation with God. Where we talk to God makes no difference in our communication to him. I like to speak to God while I am driving. We do not have to light candles and burn incense to speak with God; he only desires that we talk to him.

Lastly, we should always give thanks for everything. Showing thanks is a way to show respect and reverence. Thanking God for his provision of our possessions, grace from the punishment we deserve and the promise of heaven to come. This is the formula for obtaining God’s will.