1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV) - Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I recently saw an article in Oprah magazine where Danielle Brooks describes one of her best childhood memories. At age 12, she won a raffle for $10 after her bible study. She described that win as the first time she had won anything and it felt as though she won tickets to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
As I reflect on the difference of winning ten dollars vs. one million dollars, I thought, bottom line, it is all a win. You may, however, have difficulty appreciating the win because you could not appreciate the value or the blessing of winning no matter the amount. You may even say thanks but, I wish it was ten million dollars. You simply could not feel the joy either because you are comparing or you are not satisfied with what you have or what you won.
Imagine if you would rejoice over finding a penny in the street as though you won one million dollars. It shouldn’t matter, money is money, right? Are you able to embrace and rejoice in that moment? Are you able to remove the urge to compare the amount and rejoice in having more even if it is one penny more? Today’s verse is a reminder to rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I encourage you today and every day to resist the urge to compare and rejoice always!
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminder to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. That wherever I am, that whatever I have, is your will for me. I pray that all your children will yield the guidance you provide in today’s verse, rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. That they appreciate this is your will for them. I ask this in your son Jesus’ name. Amen!