For all of you struggling with what God’s will is for your life…here you go:

“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 NLT

Wait. What?

Will here is the Greek word thelēma.  It means what one wishes or has determined shall be done, will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure, commands or precepts (per Strong’s Concordance).

So what does God wish for you? Desire for you?

He wants you to have joy and continually rejoice.  Not just when times are fun and everything’s easy breezy.  All the time.  Even on Manic Mondays, Hump Day, and days full of suck.  Why?  Joy is strength.

He wants you to continually be in prayer.  Why?  Because God needs you to invite Him into your situation, and the situations of those around you.  He cannot move without being asked.  He is not invasive.  Also, He wants to have open communication with you.  He wants you to talk to Him, and listen to Him in return.  Consistent prayer leads to partnership with Him.  And we all need Him.

He wants you to have an attitude of gratitude.  To verbally express thankfulness. Why? Thankfulness is a testimony of God’s goodness.  It creates an atmosphere of worship.  It creates an atmosphere of belief.  It reminds you that God is good.  It reminds you God is for you.

This is what God wants for you.

Point to ponder while you wander…I Thessalonians 5:16-18 is not about faking anything or pretending to be okay. Strong people know how to cultivate and maintain joy, prayer & an attitude of gratitude, it’s how they stay strong.