Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thesalonians 5:16-18
Listen as you read along
(running time 2 minutes 34 seconds)
(Right click here and “save as” to download audio MP3 – 2:29)
When I started learning about the power mindset, there were all these gurus that talked about connecting with the universe and making my intention known. I heard talks and speeches about positive thinking and the power of words.
These are not bad messages if they are taken in the context of God being our Creator. He created our brains to work the way they do. Asking an unknown universe and hoping something happens is a lot different than having a relationship with the God of the universe and talking to Him directly.
Don’t get me wrong, you should ask for what you want and focus on the positives, but make sure you are doing that with the power that resides in you because of the Spirit of God working in and through your life.
I know you have probably heard of this Bible verse, so we will go through it quickly, but I also want you to see the context.
Right before this verse, starting in verse 12, Paul encourages those who are working hard. He is asking his readers to hold business owners in the “highest regard in love because of their work.”
Then we get to our verse. Rejoice always . . . being happy is a choice no matter what the circumstances and rejoicing is far above just being happy. Pray continually . . . prayer should be a constant conversation with the God of the universe. Give thanks . . . we should be counting our blessings at the end of each work day.
Then, Paul follows this verse by talking about the Holy Spirit. It is hard to stay positive and see the good in people if we are not accessing the Holy Spirit of God to love through us. God fills us with His Spirit and His Love. When we act on that love and show the world a new way, people can’t help but take noticed that we belong to God.
In verse 23 we are encouraged to embrace the God of Peace so that that peace may work through our whole “spirit, soul and body.” It is that peace that helps us not worry and keeps us faithful until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are told “He is faithful and He will do it.”
In your business, does the Spirit of Peace reside in your workplace? If not, you may want to meditate on this vers. We should all choose to be happy and can easily rejoice in what God has already done for us. A simple smile will get you on the right track. Then, start your prayer conversation with God and make a list of your top 10 blessings. Doing this daily will help you find the peace and love of Christ flowing into and through you.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thesalonians 5:16-18