In 1Thessalonians 5:14-15, Paul gave his Thessalonian converts qualities that are aimed outward, in their relationships with other believers and with nonbelievers also. Now in verses 16-18, he also gives them three short exhortations of heart instructions—words that can change lives in the greatest of measures.

“Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Be joyful always. The King James Version says it even more succinctly, “Rejoice evermore.” Be cheerful, joyful, always. Joy is an inner quality of the heart and spirit. How many times have we been reminded that is doesn’t say, Be Happy Always. Happiness is based on happenings. Joy is founded in the absolute fact that we are loved by God, that our abode is in Him, and that Christ died for us.

Pray continually. We are to pray without ceasing, we are to be instant in prayer, we should pray without weariness. It doesn’t mean we do nothing BUT pray, but it means prayer should accompany everything we do. We need to pray now, in this life, because when we cross into the presence of God, prayer will be replaced with praise. We shall then see God as He is, and at that point, we will no long need to seek Him in prayer, we will approach Him in praise.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Give thanks FOR all circumstances? No give thanks IN all circumstances. It is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus to be a giver of thanks.

In essence what Paul is saying is that in every circumstance and facet of life we are to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful. The marks of the Followers of Christ are that we face each new day with joy, prayer and thanksgiving.