Keep It Upbeat

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

So the comment was, "They are angry because there is no peace."

I don't know about you, but that strikes me as an odd statement.

Paul tells the church in Thessaloniki the key to being positive.

First of all, rejoice - always.  This is harder than it looks.  There are plenty of reasons during the course of our day to give thanks to God.  There are also situations that we must face that cause pain and heartache.  How can you rejoice?  Your faith can look forward to what God is going to do.  He will keep His promises through your trials.

Pray without ceasing.  Sounds weird, I know.  But Paul is teaching that everyone should remain in an attitude of prayer.  Stay connected to Christ at all times.  Prayer isn't just you talking to God, it's you listening to Him too.  During the day God will speak into your heart if you stay connected to Him.

Give thanks in all circumstances.  Much like, "Rejoice always" we see Paul instructing us to give thanks.  For what?  You might ask.  Give thanks for your salvation.  Give thanks for His Word.  Give thanks because He provides for your needs.  Giving thanks for what God has done will have a powerful impact on your attitudes.

This is the will of God.  Paul isn't making a suggestion.  He is commanding us to follow Gods will.  Stay connected to Christ through your actions and attitude, and it will have a positive, uplifting, encouraging effect on your life and attitude.

So let's think about what life would be like if you did the opposite of everything I pointed out.  YIKES!

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, help me to rejoice, giving thanks and stay connected to You during my day.  AMEN

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