Unbreakable Joy

Embracing God’s Will in All Circumstances

Living Out 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks

Keys to Living in God’s Will

The Power of Joy, Prayer, and Thanksgiving

“Rejoice always, Pray continually, 

Give Thanks in all circumstances; 

For this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In these three short commands, Paul lays out a radical vision for the Christian life. Rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all situations—these are not just virtues to aspire to occasionally; they are the essence of living within God’s will. But what does it look like to embody these traits daily? And how can we live out this calling when life’s challenges seem overwhelming?

This passage invites us to step into a life that is constantly tuned to God, drawing strength and hope in ways that transcend circumstances. Let’s explore each command, seeking wisdom from Scripture and insights from great Christian thinkers.

Rejoice Always

It’s easy to rejoice when life is good, but what about in hardship? Paul calls us to rejoice “always”—a call that extends into our darkest days. Philippians 4:4 reinforces this: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This joy is not superficial happiness, nor does it ignore pain; rather, it is rooted in the steadfastness of Christ, who remains with us in all seasons.

Charles Spurgeon noted, “There is a marvelous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste and comforting to the heart.” Joy is not merely a feeling; it is an act of faith, a declaration of trust in God’s goodness, even when we can’t see the path ahead. Matthew Henry adds that our joy “must not only be inward, but it must be outwardly expressed in our words and actions,” showing the world the hope we have in Christ.

Pray Continually

The command to “pray continually” can feel daunting, especially in a world filled with distractions. But prayer, as Eugene Peterson describes it, is a continual conversation with God—a rhythm of life where we bring our thoughts, fears, and hopes to Him at all times. Romans 12:12 encourages us to “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Alexander Maclaren compared prayer to the soul’s breathing, essential for our spiritual life. “Just as we cannot live without breath, we cannot thrive without prayer.” This doesn’t mean we must be on our knees all day; rather, we cultivate a heart that instinctively turns to God, weaving prayer into every part of our lives. Whether it’s a quick prayer for strength, a moment of gratitude, or a plea for guidance, this continual prayer life keeps us connected to God’s grace and peace.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Perhaps the most challenging of these commands is to “give thanks in all circumstances.” It’s natural to be thankful when things go well, but how do we give thanks amid pain, disappointment, or loss? Ephesians 5:20 encourages us to be “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

William Barclay reminds us that gratitude flows from the recognition that we are saved by grace, not by any personal merit. “The Christian must be a person of gratitude because they realize they are saved by grace.” This gratitude is not an endorsement of every event but an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are hard to understand.

N.T. Wright explains that thanksgiving is not passive acceptance; rather, it’s an active trust in God’s redemptive plan. John Stott adds, “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all other virtues.” When we give thanks, we align ourselves with God’s perspective, which sees beyond the present pain to the greater purpose He is working out.

Living in God’s Will

Together, these three commands—rejoice, pray, give thanks—define a life lived within the will of God. They are not easy practices, nor are they natural to us. But as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, we find that this life is possible, and it is profoundly freeing. We come to understand that true joy, continuous communion with God, and a grateful heart are gifts that carry us through any circumstance.

As we embrace this way of life, we discover that it is not based on our power or positivity but rooted in the presence and promises of God. In every joy, prayer, and expression of thanks, we affirm God’s lordship and His eternal love for us.

Prayer:

“Father, help us to live with hearts open to Your joy, attuned to Your voice in prayer, and filled with gratitude in every season. Teach us to see Your hand at work in all circumstances and to rest in Your will. May our lives be a testimony of Your unending love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

In His Hands

A Family Prayer of Trust and Protection

Lord, You are the Maker, the foundation, the start,

Crafting each family, weaving love in each heart.

Since the beginning, You saw it all planned,

Strong homes built by Your wisdom, firm as we stand.

Thank You for family, the chance to shape lives,

To build up each soul, where true character thrives.

Values instilled that reflect Your own ways,

Guiding us gently through life’s winding maze.

Father, we know there’s a battle to fight,

For forces assail us, dividing our sight.

But You are our strength, our shield, and our song,

Your Word as our refuge, we’re grounded and strong.

Help us, dear Lord, on Your truth to depend,

To read it, to live it, on You to depend.

Teach us to pray, to lift up each name,

In joy and in sorrow, as one just the same.

Lord Jesus, be near us, in marriage and home,

Bind us in love; may we never roam.

Guard us from weakness, give courage to stand,

Our families safe, in Your powerful hand.

In Jesus’ name, to You we entrust,

Our families, Lord, in love and in trust.

Amen.

Building Strong Christian Families

Grounded in Christ’s Promises

Firm Foundations of Faith 

“Through wisdom a house is built, 

and by understanding it is established.”

 – Proverbs 24:3 (NKJV)

The family is God’s first institution, woven into creation itself. God designed families to be the foundation for life and faith, a place where wisdom and understanding take root and grow. As Eugene Peterson says, “The family is where our earliest and most formative lessons in faith are taught.” Families are where love is lived, where faith is modeled, and where hope finds its clearest expressions. But how do we, as Christians, ensure that our families remain rooted and unshakable?

1. Christ as the Cornerstone of the Family

The wisdom spoken of in Proverbs 24:3 is ultimately found in Christ, the cornerstone of our faith. In Ephesians 2:19-20, Paul writes, “…you are fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Building a family on the wisdom of Christ ensures that it will endure storms and challenges.

King Solomon stressed the significance of establishing God as the foundation of our families in Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” He recognized that while human effort is essential, it remains limited and vulnerable when disconnected from God’s strength and wisdom. Building a home, both in its physical structure and in the relationships and values nurtured within, requires God’s active presence to truly flourish and endure. A family that does not include God cannot experience the unique spiritual bond He brings to relationships. Without His guidance, even the best intentions and efforts fall short of achieving the lasting and meaningful impact we desire in our families.

2. Hope in Christ’s Promises

A Christian family is a beacon of hope, built on the promises of Christ. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Our homes should be places of peace, hope, and refuge from the world’s uncertainties. Alexander Maclaren said, “Only when Christ is known and loved, can peace reign in the family and home.”

Hope gives families the resilience to face life’s trials, knowing that Christ’s promises are steadfast. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20). God’s promises, from His protection to His provision, sustain our families, giving us reason to hope even in difficult times.

3. Faithfulness in Everyday Life

The foundation of wisdom is not merely about knowledge but about living faithfully. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God instructs us to teach His commandments diligently to our children, discussing them at home and on the road, in every aspect of life. Our faith is established in the everyday – in our patience, forgiveness, and acts of service. N.T. Wright wrote, “Faith isn’t just about what you believe in your head but what you do with your life.”

William Barclay adds, “Faithfulness is the cement which binds the whole fabric of society together.” Teaching faithfulness to the next generation in word and deed creates a legacy that blesses far beyond our immediate family.

4. The Role of Prayer and Scripture in Family Life

Scripture and prayer are vital in establishing a family on wisdom. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:16 to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” as we teach and encourage one another. Eugene Peterson described the family as “a place of formative spirituality” – where prayer and Scripture are part of the family’s daily rhythm.

Matthew Henry wrote, “The home must be a little church.” When families gather in prayer and read the Word together, they grow in spiritual strength. This practice brings the family together under God’s grace and wisdom, aligning them with His purpose and protection.

5. Standing Firm in Faith

In a world filled with challenges, a Christian family stands firm, not in its own strength but in Christ’s. Jesus assured us in Matthew 7:24-25, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” A house founded on Christ will not fall when the storms come.

Spurgeon reminds us, “The family is the training ground for Christian character.” By building our families on the solid ground of Christ’s teachings, we prepare each member to stand firm in faith, equipped to share His light with others.

Final Thoughts

To build a family rooted in Christ is to trust in God’s wisdom, cling to His promises, and live out His faithfulness every day. Such a family radiates hope, love, and resilience, serving as a beacon of Christ’s grace in the world. As we continue to seek His wisdom, may our families be testimonies of His goodness and strength.

Prayer for Families of Faith

Lord, we thank You for the gift of family and the wisdom You provide to build strong foundations. Help us keep Christ at the center of our homes, clinging to His promises and reflecting His faithfulness. Give us hearts of hope, patience, and love, that we may honor You in our family life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.