Tim Morrow

At our house I would remind my daughters that some of their “absolute” statements were not always accurate. An example would be, “we always have the same food at home.” Or, “we never get to go places.”

I would respond by pointing out that we do change up the menu occasionally, so saying “always” is a bit much. I would tell them we do go places, and that saying “never” is not exactly true.

That said, there are times when using absolute statements are valid. For instance, there are certain commands in scripture that use absolute language. When it does, I ask myself, “how can I accomplish this?” 

One of the greatest examples of this for Christians is in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. Here Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica and gives three commands that are absolute statements. Here are his three directives: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 

If you think about these three charges from Paul, they are tall orders for the Christ-follower. The question then for us as Christians is how can I continually rejoice, continually be in prayer, and continually give thanks for all my circumstances? The Psalmist adds by saying in Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” 

This does not mean we should constantly go around praying, singing and rejoicing out loud. It simply means that my life’s focus and direction should be guided by the one who has redeemed me — that would be Jesus Christ alone. Therefore, my relationship with Jesus is causing my heart to be one of prayer, rejoice and thanksgiving, irrespective of circumstances. It becomes part of my spiritual “DNA." Just as I am not capable of saving myself — Jesus did that — I am not capable of fulfilling the imperative of constant prayer and praise without Jesus. Here is a key for myself in fulfilling this command. Isaiah 26:3-4 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an everlasting rock.” 

When our mind and our trust is on the Lord, then praise and prayer are always on our lips at any moment. When my trust is in Jesus for all things in my life, no matter the circumstances, then thanksgiving is constantly part of my life.

This doesn’t mean that I’m happy about everything going on in my life. What it does mean is rejoicing and thanksgiving are in my heart, knowing God is continually watching over me and guiding my steps. So my Christ-follower friends, let us rejoice, praise, pray and give thanks!

(Tim Morrow is the pastor of New Life Church in Powell.)