Verse of the day – 1 Thessalonians Ch5 v16-18

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

In this world there will always be something to worry about – we live in a fallen, fractured world, more so now than ever. So the temptation to be anxious is always there. The best defence is continual communication with God along with thanksgiving. The awareness of his presence fills our minds with Light and Peace and will lift us up above circumstances, enabling us to see problems from God’s perspective and in turn pushing away the fear!

Paul says that believers should never stop praying. Faith shouldn’t die if answers come slowly, as the delay may be God’s way of working his will. We must remember that he is present, always listening, always answering in ways that he knows are best. Paul is not teaching that we should thank God for everything that happens to us, but IN everything. Evil does not come from God, so we shouldn’t thank him for it. However, when evil does strike, we can still be thankful for God’s presence and for the good that he will accomplish through the distress.

LIVE CLOSE TO HIM: Be joyful, Pray continually, Give thanks.