Rejoice always, pray continually, given thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ” To the Saints at Thessaloniki, the Apostle Paul encourages an attitude of positivity. First, he tells them to be joyous always-to "rejoice" constantly. How do you do that when so much in the world seems less than positive? Well, Paul might say, "Keep and enteral perspective." The things of this world (including our trials) will, in time, change and even pass. But the things of eternity are "sure"-and that is cause for joyousness. That is cause for rejoicing!
Second, Paul invites us to "pray continually." Of course, he doesn't mean we should be on our knees night and day, nor even uttering formal prayers (like the Rosary) day and night. But the Apostle would surely encourage us to talk to God throughout or day, as we go about our work, speaking quietly to Him in our head and heart. Expressing love, discussing concerns, and even thanking Him for His goodness. In so doing, that spirit of "rejoicing" He commanded of us will come more naturally.
Finally, Paul says we should "give thanks in all circumstances" or in all things. Even in our trails? Even in our losses? What of our disappointments? The frank reality is, even in the worst of times, there are things to be grateful for. As one perpetual optimist I know often says (amid his own trails), "Well at least ______________ didn't happen!" So yes, even in some of the worst events in our lives, there are things we can find that are blessings, even if those blessings are somewhat "in disguise."
God wants us to be happy, and He knows that the surest way to the happiness He desires for us is to teach us that gratitude and thanksgiving brings joy. As we commune with God throughout or day, as we look for the little blessings that are always there and even the unexpected ones that come, our joy will be full, our gratitude will increase, and our connection with God will develop into something deep and abiding. In Paul's words, "this is God's will for you in [or through] Christ Jesus!"
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ” In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the Israelites at a time of great despair. They were exiled, living in Babylon, far from their homeland. Jeremiah's words were meant to offer hope and assurance during this period of upheaval. His message was not just for their immediate comfort but also to give them a perspective of a hopeful future planned by God.
This passage in Jeremiah speaks directly to the heart of encouragement, especially in the face of uncertainty and difficulty. It's a reminder that even when our current circumstances seem bleak or disheartening, there is a broader plan for good, for hope, and for a future. This can be particularly resonant for us when we face our own periods of doubt or when our path seems unclear. It's a call to trust in a greater plan that we might not fully understand yet.
