Three Simple Steps

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sounds easy enough. Three steps to fulfilling God’s will for your life. Be joyful, pray and be thankful. Three simple steps.

Simple, but not always easy. Between life’s trials, our finite mind and faltering faith, there are many roadblocks to keep us sad, non-communicative and grumpy! But if it were not possible to be and do those three things, God would not have asked it of us. He supplies the means to rise above the world and live in a realm where we can be joyful, thankful and in constant prayer.

We may not live in that state for days on end, but each time we practice the presence of God, it becomes a little more familiar. Each time we stop to remind ourselves that this is God’s will for our lives, we may be encouraged to try it again.

These requirements are not dependant on our feelings, our social status, our education, or anything else – except obedience. If we are obedient to keep pressing forward to the life we could have in Christ Jesus, He will reward us with confirmation in our spirit.

Lord, I take a moment right now to express my joy, speak to you, and be thankful for your saving grace.