“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Sounds like a big ask, doesn’t it? How can we be joyful, giving thanks all the time when often the things that are going on in our lives and in our world make us feel anything but joyful and thankful! Paul tells us that we are to keep near to God and trust Him even though in human terms, life may really be getting us down and nothing is going right. He offers a clue in the next verse when he says “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” We are to turn away from the things that would lead us away from God and prevent God’s spirit from doing His work in us. Instead, we should focus on worship and thanksgiving, acknowledging all the many blessings God has given, and let His transforming power change not the circumstances that are affecting us but our attitudes and our responses to them as we commit them into His hands and let His almighty love, wisdom and purpose take control. May we learn more of this worshiping attitude as we spend time in His presence each day.