GOD'S WILL
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 (NIV)
I've often been asked, How can I find God's will for my life? School? Job? Marriage? Yes, Scripture tells us that God will never leave us nor forsake us and that we can come to Him for wisdom anytime (James 1:5). In fact, He tells us not to make plans about the future without checking with Him first (James 4:13-17). Most of Scripture, however, describes God's will in terms we don't have to wonder about because it is spelled out clearly. When making day-to-day choices, God makes clear He often uses those decisions and circumstances to give us the direction we seek and need. For example, the Ten Commandments tell us part of God's will. It's God's will that I love God and people, including my spouse. It's God's will that I become like Christ and walk in the Spirit. It's God's will that I make disciples. While not as well known, in these short verses, Paul gives us three astonishingly powerful and life-changing commands, yet many of us seem to look past these verses. These instructions hold immense power, especially when applied to the covenant of marriage. As noted earlier, a dynamic marriage requires devotion and work, and these verses provide a framework for navigating a lifetime journey together.
Rejoice always. I remember a couple who appeared to be committed Christians and were confident they had their theology right. However, the wife continually complained about her husband, and the husband disrespected his wife regularly. This was evidence that they were looking for the negative aspects in each other rather than highlighting the positive which brought negative results to their relationship. Rejoicing always involves looking for the positive. Striving to notice what God has done or how He can work in any situation or relationship can help us view things more from God's perspective. We can be honest about our frustrations and still choose to rejoice in who God is and all He has given us, which draws us closer to Him and those with whom we have relationship.
Pray continually. There is no substitute for continually praying and being connected to Christ moment by moment as we go through our days. This practice demonstrates what walking in the Spirit and abiding in Christ is all about.
Give thanks in all circumstances. This doesn't necessarily mean I thank God FOR bad circumstances and pain, but I can thank him IN the midst of all circumstances and for how He will bring good from these circumstances (Romans 8:28). Expressing gratitude continually to the Lord and your spouse can transform your relationship.
APPLICATION: Ask God how you can rejoice, pray, and give thanks today for your spouse or a friend. Focus more on the things you're grateful for in someone else than the things that frustrate you.
PRAYER: Father, help me put into practice these life-changing habits to experience You more.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?