Be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 AMP
Love is a word often expressed through acts of sacrifice. While many people use the term freely, one thing is certain: love is a duty. I have witnessed how love transforms lives. A mother?s life changes dramatically with the onset of pregnancy, and fathers, though filled with joy at the arrival of a child, begin to understand that they are now responsible not just for one person but for many more to come.
We are quick to say ?I love you,? and I?m sure GOD has heard this countless times. Often, we express these words when we receive something we desperately need. I remember my little sister doing just that when she received a surprise gift. She exclaimed, ?God, thank You! I really needed this. I love You so much!? as she held it close to her chest.
Love is dutiful and compels us to do things we might not naturally do without it. One thing is certain: we often do things for others out of love, believing these actions will please them and prove our affection. The true evidence of love lies in our ability to obey GOD's commandments.
?If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.? ? John 14:15 (AMP)
This verse emphasizes that our obedience is crucial to GOD and serves as a vital expression of our love for Him. The Scriptures remind us that obedience to GOD is far more important than the gifts we offer. In 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV), we read: ?Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.?
Today?s scripture admonishes us to do two things: pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. This is GOD?s will for us. A will refers to a person?s desires and intentions; while commonly associated with inheritance after death, GOD is very much alive and expects us to fulfill His desires while we live, making our lives a living sacrifice as described in Romans 12. When we align our actions with His desires, it serves as evidence of our love for Him. Praying and giving thanks in all circumstances, are what GOD requires of us. When we make this a lifestyle, it demonstrates our trust in Him. Love breeds trust; in love, we may not always understand our actions, but we do them simply because we love and trust the person involved.
Prayer is communication with GOD. Just as we never cease speaking to those we love, we must maintain an ongoing dialogue with Him. This connection sustains us on earth; it is how we navigate life?s challenges. Prayer allows us to stay connected to THE VINE?OUR SOURCE?and when it seems our communication is faltering due to the pressures of this life, our circumstances or unbelief, we are reminded to be persistent because GOD rewards those who seek Him. We should practice now what we will do in heaven.
Unknown to many, gratitude is beneficial to our health?bringing joy, sanity, and peace (Philippians 4:6). GOD expects us to maintain a healthy attitude and mindset in life regardless of what happens. The power of positive thinking benefits us and enables us to hear what GOD is saying which is essential for living life?HIS very WORD OF GOD.
By practicing gratitude and prayer, we demonstrate our trust in GOD and acknowledge His existence and true character?that indeed HE works all things together for our good. When we pray, we humbly admit: ?Father, I cannot navigate this life on my own; I need Your help.? Prayer?especially the act of giving thanks?is a sign of humility and recognition of our dependence on Him; it affirms that we cannot make things happen on our own. Many people today claim they can manage life without GOD's assistance; however, the truth is that we cannot succeed on our own because we did not create or initiate life in the first place.
When we pray and give thanks, we do what pleases GOD, bringing joy to His heart. Instead of striving to please others who are ever-changing in their requirements of us, let us focus on pleasing GOD, who genuinely seeks our well-being.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the opportunity to always communicate with you. Please grant me the GRACE to do what will pleases YOU even by engaging continually in the art of prayer and giving thanks. I am grateful to be called YOUR own. Thank YOU LORD in JESUS mighty name. Amen!
