Monday, December 18, 2023

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

This passage comes at the end of Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica, his conclusion, where he also encourages them to be at peace among themselves, be patient, not return evil for evil, and always seek to do good to one another and to all. Those were noble and challenging goals for living out faith then, just as they are today!

But a couple of the things Paul urges here almost border on the ridiculous. Rejoice always? Really? That’s fine if all is going well, but easier said than done if not.

Advent in particular can be a difficult time for some. We hold a Blue Christmas service for those who are grieving during the holidays, and while they are important and helpful, joyful isn’t a word that they bring to mind. We don’t always feel happy – emotions are beyond our control.

And give thanks in all circumstances? Come on, Paul – what kind of nonsense is this? There are plenty of times in life when we’re praying for help or courage but aren’t ready to give thanks. This is, after all, a devotional sponsored by an agency that in part serves disaster survivors. Wouldn’t praying in all circumstances be better advice than giving thanks in all circumstances? Why does Paul think this is possible? He wasn’t a fool and had been through plenty of challenging times himself.

Well, perhaps the answer comes in a couple of phrases that follow these, right at the very end of the letter. One comes in v. 24, “The one who calls you is faithful,” and the other in v. 28, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Perhaps in pointing to Jesus, and his faithfulness, and his grace, we see the possibility of joy even in sorrow, and thanks even during trials.

Faithful God, you know we are beset by all sorts of worries, hardships, and challenges. Help us to rest in your love, to rejoice in your faithfulness, and give thanks for your grace. Amen.

The Rev. Paul Metzloff is Pastor at Reformation Lutheran Church, Reading, PA.