Monday, 8 December 2025
Victorious Living
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
The above verse gives tfhree things that ought to characterize the life of a Christ follower. First, we should never let the enemy take away joy from our lives, as we rejoice in all circumstances.
This is not to deny the realities of life! That, on occasion, believers do encounter those devastating situations that seek to deprive of them joy, there is no doubt. But joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit ( 5:22). Also, being joyful is one of the greatest deterrent against Satan whose mission is to rob believers of their joy, which none should allow.
Second, we are urged to pray without ceasing. Of course the life of any Christian will experience those dry patches, some set of difficult circumstances or perhaps distraction, when prayer is not as forthcoming. Do not give up on prayer for it is the gateway to all your desires. By praying without ceasing, it means that at any time of the day or anywhere we should be free to share with the Almighty God our hopes, fears, anxieties, joys and cares. Through Christ Jesus we have that direct access to our Father in heaven who is patiently ready and willing for us to unburden our hearts and longings.
Finally, we should give thanks in all circumstances. One might say, “easier said than done” for indeed there are those situations that may face any of us, of which it is difficult to give thanks. There are deaths in families and one can be done poorly by those they once trusted. But the Christian rejoices in all circumstances because of the faith in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for all those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called to His purpose.”
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I am reminded by your words to be joyful and with thanksgiving be steadfast in prayer for you are my Lord, comforter and the source of my victory, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
