Rejoice Always, Pray Unceasingly, Give Thanks Always

Devotional

Day 1: Rejoicing Always—Joy Beyond Circumstances

True biblical joy is not dependent on our circumstances or fleeting happiness, but is rooted in the unchanging reality that every day—whether filled with gain or loss, happiness or sorrow—is a day the Lord has made. This means that even in seasons of heartache, disappointment, or failure, believers are called to rejoice, not by denying reality, but by anchoring their hearts in the steadfastness of God’s sovereignty and goodness. Joy is not the same as happiness; happiness is based on what happens to us, but joy is a gift from God that endures through every season, because we trust that He is present and at work in every moment of our lives. [35:59]

1 Thessalonians 5:16 (ESV)
Rejoice always.

Reflection: What is one area of your life right now where you feel sorrow or disappointment? How can you intentionally choose to rejoice in the Lord today, even as you acknowledge your pain?

Day 2: Unending Prayer—A Posture of Dependence

Prayer is not meant to be a nonstop activity that occupies every second, but rather a continual posture of the heart—like breathing, it is a natural, ongoing connection with God. Even when you feel weak, uncertain, or unable to find the right words, the Holy Spirit intercedes for you, praying on your behalf with groanings too deep for words. This means you are never alone in your prayers; God Himself is at work within you, sustaining you and bringing your needs before the Father, even when you feel inadequate or distracted. [39:33]

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
Pray without ceasing.

Reflection: When do you most often forget to turn your heart toward God in prayer? What is one practical way you can remind yourself to maintain a posture of prayer throughout your day?

Day 3: Thankful in All Circumstances—Trusting God’s Goodness

God does not ask you to be thankful for every circumstance, but to be thankful in every circumstance, trusting that He is working all things together for your good. Even when you cannot see how any good could possibly come from your current situation, you are invited to practice preemptive thanksgiving—choosing to thank God in the midst of difficulty, believing that He is weaving every detail of your life into His greater purpose. This kind of gratitude is not denial, but deep trust in the character and promises of God. [45:57]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or trial you are facing. What is one specific way you can thank God in the midst of it today, even if you cannot yet see the good?

Day 4: God’s Will—Clarity in the Simple Commands

God’s will is not a hidden puzzle for you to solve, but is clearly revealed in His Word: to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. Rather than anxiously searching for God’s will in every decision, you are called to focus on these simple, foundational commands, trusting that as you walk in them, God will guide your steps. The freedom and peace that come from obeying what is already revealed far outweigh the anxiety of trying to discern every unknown detail of the future. [31:40]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection: Are you spending more energy trying to figure out God’s will for your future than living out His will today? What is one way you can practice God’s revealed will right now?

Day 5: Overflowing Thanksgiving—Responding to God’s Inexpressible Gift

The ultimate reason for gratitude is the inexpressible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ—by grace, you have been reconciled to God, adopted as His child, and promised eternal life. This gift is so great that it should overflow in continual thanksgiving, generosity, and worship, no matter what earthly circumstances you face. Remembering what Christ has done for you keeps your heart anchored in gratitude, even in the hardest seasons, and compels you to live a life that glorifies God and blesses others. [57:41]

2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (ESV)
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Reflection: How does remembering the gift of salvation in Christ shape your attitude of gratitude today? Who can you bless or encourage as an overflow of thankfulness for what God has done for you?

Sermon Summary

This week, we pause from our usual routine to focus our hearts on gratefulness. As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s fitting to reflect on what it means to be truly thankful—not just for the physical and emotional benefits, but because God’s Word calls us to it. Gratefulness isn’t just a seasonal virtue; it’s a way of life that shapes our resilience, our relationships, and our walk with God. Studies confirm that gratitude brings tangible benefits—less anxiety, better health, stronger relationships—but the deepest reason to cultivate thankfulness is that it is God’s will for us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are given three simple but profound commands: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. These are not just suggestions; they are God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. Too often, we treat God’s will as a mystery to be solved, but here, God makes it plain. We are called to start with what we know: to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks.

Rejoicing always does not mean denying sorrow or pretending to be happy. The Bible distinguishes between happiness, which is circumstantial, and joy, which is rooted in God’s sovereignty. Every day—whether it brings gain or loss, happiness or sorrow—is a day the Lord has made. Our joy is anchored in the unchanging reality that God is at work, even when circumstances are hard.

Praying without ceasing is not about constant verbal prayer, but about maintaining a posture of dependence and communion with God. Like breathing, prayer becomes the background rhythm of our lives. Even when we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, praying according to God’s will. This is a profound comfort: our weakness in prayer is met by the Spirit’s perfect intercession.

Giving thanks in all circumstances is not the same as giving thanks for all circumstances. There are things in life for which we cannot be thankful, but we can be thankful in them, trusting that God is working all things together for good. Like Eddie Rickenbacker, who never forgot the seagull that saved his life, we are called to remember God’s inexpressible gift in Christ. If we have been saved by grace, reconciled to God, and promised eternal life, we have reason to give thanks in every season.

Key Takeaways

1. Joy is rooted in God, not circumstances True joy is not the same as fleeting happiness. While happiness depends on what happens to us, joy is anchored in the reality that every day—good or bad—is a day the Lord has made. This allows us to rejoice even in sorrow, knowing that God is sovereign over every moment of our lives. [35:34]
2. Prayer is a posture, not a performance Praying without ceasing is about living in continual dependence on God, not about uttering words every moment. Like breathing, prayer becomes a natural part of our existence. Even when we don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, ensuring that our deepest needs are brought before the Father. [39:33]
3. Thankfulness is possible in every circumstance Scripture does not command us to be thankful for all things, but to be thankful in all things. Even in pain, loss, or confusion, we can trust that God is working for our good. This kind of gratitude is an act of faith, rooted in the assurance that God’s purposes will prevail, even when we cannot see how. [45:14]
4. God’s will is clear: rejoice, pray, give thanks We often agonize over discerning God’s will, but He has made it plain in His Word. Rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances are not just good ideas—they are God’s will for us in Christ. When we walk in these things, we are living in the center of God’s revealed will. [31:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:59] - Introduction: The Importance of Gratefulness
[27:52] - The Benefits of Gratitude
[28:58] - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: God’s Will
[32:18] - Always Rejoicing: Joy vs. Happiness
[34:53] - Every Day is the Lord’s Day
[36:28] - Unending Prayer: What It Means
[37:49] - Prayer as Spiritual Breathing
[39:33] - The Spirit’s Intercession in Prayer
[44:02] - Thankfulness in All Circumstances
[45:57] - Romans 8:28 and God’s Goodness
[50:07] - Eddie Rickenbacker’s Story of Gratitude
[54:58] - Facing Life’s Hardships with Thankfulness
[56:05] - God’s Inexpressible Gift in Christ
[58:49] - Living as Grateful Children of God
[61:35] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) — > Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Romans 8:26-28 (ESV) — > Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (ESV) — > He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Observation Questions

What three commands does Paul give in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and how does he describe their importance? ([29:35])
According to Romans 8:26-27, what role does the Holy Spirit play in our prayer life? ([39:33])
In the sermon, what is the difference between being thankful “in” all circumstances versus “for” all circumstances? ([45:14])
What story did the pastor share about Eddie Rickenbacker, and why was it used as an example of gratitude? ([54:13])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul connect rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks as God’s will for us, rather than just good advice? What does this reveal about God’s priorities for our daily lives? ([31:40])
The sermon says that joy is rooted in God, not in our circumstances. How does this understanding help believers face sorrow or disappointment differently than the world does? ([35:34])
The pastor described prayer as “spiritual breathing.” What does it mean to have a posture of prayer, and how is this different from simply saying prayers at set times? ([37:49])
How does remembering God’s “inexpressible gift in Christ” (2 Corinthians 9:15) help us to be thankful even when life is hard? ([56:05])

Application Questions

The sermon mentioned that gratitude is not just a seasonal virtue but a way of life. What is one area of your daily routine where you could intentionally practice gratefulness this week? ([26:59])
Think about a recent situation that was difficult or disappointing. Were you able to find something to be thankful for “in” that circumstance, even if you couldn’t be thankful “for” it? What did that look like, or what could it look like next time? ([45:14])
The pastor said that many people struggle to know God’s will, but God has made it clear in these verses. Are there areas in your life where you are waiting for God’s will to be revealed, but you could instead focus on rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks right now? ([31:40])
The sermon described prayer as a posture of dependence, like breathing. What is one practical way you can remind yourself to “breathe” spiritually throughout your day? (For example, a short prayer when you feel stressed or a moment of gratitude before a meal.) ([37:49])
The story of Eddie Rickenbacker was about never forgetting the gift that saved him. Is there a “seagull moment” in your life—a time when God provided in a way you didn’t expect? How can you remember and give thanks for that this week? ([54:13])
The pastor said that even when we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us. How does this truth encourage you in your prayer life, especially when you feel weak or unsure what to say? ([39:33])
If joy is rooted in God and not in circumstances, what is one step you can take to anchor your joy in God this week, especially if you are facing a hard season? ([35:34])

Sermon Clips

I tell people all the time that if you want to know God's will for your life, know God's word. After all of those things have been said, after we've been told everything to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in all circumstances, give thanks. We are told right there at the end, for this is God's will for you. God wants you to always rejoice. It is God's will for you to pray without ceasing, and it is God's will for you to be thankful in all circumstances. So let's just start with what we know God's will is for us. [00:31:30] (44 seconds) #KnowGodsWill

Happiness is based on what happens to you. You can be unhappy and you will be unhappy. But joy, rejoicing, is something so much more different and so much more spectacular for the believer. The Bible says this in Psalm 118, verse 23 and 24. This is the Lord's doing. It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made. Whatever the day brings about, whatever circumstances befall us in any given 24 hours, we understand, we accept, and we rejoice in the fact that that is the day the Lord has made. [00:34:24] (60 seconds) #PrayerPosture

The day of your happiness, the Lord made. The day of your sorrow, the Lord made. The day of your gain, the Lord made. The day of your loss, the day of your win, the day of your defeat. The day of any and everything is the day that the Lord has made. And because it comes from the Lord, we rejoice. We are sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. Because circumstance, trial and tribulation cannot and must not steal our joy. It can rob our happiness all day long. But it cannot and must not steal our joy. [00:35:44] (43 seconds) #SpiritIntercedes

Pray without ceasing does not mean pray every second of every day. Jesus didn't do that. He took long spells of prayer. He would get off by himself. He would go away for a night and spend the night in prayer. But he did more than pray. There are more things for you to do than pray. The Lord has you here to do a host of other things. So we cannot just sit and pray all the time. That's not what the Bible is speaking of here. The Bible speaks of maintaining a posture of prayer. Your heart stays turned toward God all day long. [00:36:42] (44 seconds) #PrayWithHope

We are called always to pray and not to lose heart because as long as there is prayer, there is always hope. But here's the deal. And I'm going to show you something really, really neat here in just a second. You and I can't pray on a 24-7 loop. There are jobs to do. There are relationships to maintain. There are responsibilities that are ours. It's like we can't just sit there 24-7. That's not what God wants from us. That's not what God expects from us. But for the born-again follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, there is unceasing prayer on your behalf. [00:38:39] (45 seconds) #ThankfulInAll

Every time I read these verses of Scripture, it always grips me. It always moves me. It always, always gets me. Listen to what the Bible says. Romans chapter 8, verse 26 through 27. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is in the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [00:39:25] (47 seconds) #FaithInTheStorm

As important as what Scripture says is a lot of times equally important to what it doesn't say. One little word not only revolutionizes this teaching and this concept, but it also not only makes it doable, it makes it good. We just read what the Scriptures say. Let's notice now what they do not say. They do not say, give thanks for all circumstances. They don't say that. They say, give thanks in all circumstances. The Bible doesn't want, the Bible doesn't expect, the Bible doesn't deem it appropriate for you to be thankful for everything. [00:44:22] (59 seconds)

The Spirit's at work. The Spirit intercedes. The Spirit goes on our behalf. And because of all of that that the Spirit does, we know all things work together for good to those who love God. It might not be good right now. Things work together for good. So, here's what you need to do. A little preemptive thanksgiving. Lord, I don't know how this is going to work out. And between you and me, I can't see a single scenario about how anything involving this ever comes out good. I'm going to be faithful to you. [00:48:21] (70 seconds)

Right now I'm speaking exclusively to those who are saved. To those who at some point in their life realized and understood I am a sinner and if there is any hope for my soul whatsoever it is not will not and cannot come from me. All I know to do to the best of my ability is cry out to God for salvation confess my sin trust in His Son who died in my stead and offers me His righteousness believe and cling to that Son no matter what because He is all the hope I have. That's who I'm speaking to. [00:57:41] (49 seconds)

I don't know if it's God's will for you to do this or that that you might be struggling with right now I don't know if it's God's will for you to take that other job or you know do this or not do that I'd have to hear more about the circumstance situation I don't know but I do know that it is 100% God's will for you and for me and for all of us to rejoice always pray without ceasing and in all things give thanks to God that's God's will for you right now are you doing God's will in your life. [01:00:20] (74 seconds)

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