Let's start by imagining that you wake up every single day and no matter what’s crashing down around you, no matter how bad things are, you choose joy. Not fake positivity. Not denial. Real, resilient joy. Then imagine your first response in traffic, in the doctor’s waiting room, or in the middle of a fight, being prayer. And then, even when life hurts, you still find a reason to say, "Thank you."

How does that image make you feel? Let's read from the Bible.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’"

Let’s pray…

Heavenly Father, teach us to live this verse — not as a burden, but as a beautiful invitation into deeper joy, intimacy, and gratitude. Make us people who shine with the light of Christ even in dark times. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Most people think that doesnt sound possible. The Apostle Paul says it’s not only possible — it’s God’s will for you. I remember when God first brought this scripture to my attention and really meditating and wrestling with it. I remember asking myself, "Self, how do I rejoice ALWAYS, pray CONTINUALLY, and give real thanks in every situation?" That sounded unreasonable to achieve. But like Paul said. It's God's will for me. If it's God's will, then it must be really important for me to understand.

I think you will agree by the end of my lesson that it's important for you as well!

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This short, powerful triplet, rejoice, pray, give thanks, is one of the most practical commands in the entire New Testament. Paul doesn’t say “Rejoice when things are good,” or “Pray when you feel like it,” or “Give thanks when life is smooth.” He uses three absolute words: always, continually, in all circumstances.

1. Rejoice Always

Joy is not an emotion; it’s a choice rooted in reality. Your circumstances can be terrible, but if you are a Disciple of Jesus Christ, your position in Him is unshakable. You have a great love of the truth who is Jesus, and the salvation He has given you as a gift. If you have not been taught about how to become a disciple and then been baptized (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38, etc,), please reach out. I would love to share the scriptures about God's love for you and how He wants to support you in every aspect of your life.

Joy is the serious business of heaven (C.S. Lewis). It’s the quiet confidence that God is still on the throne and that He is working all things for your good and His glory. When we choose joy, God can supernaturally work through us because we keep our eyes on Him and obey, not letting hard times get us down. Choosing joy when it doesn't make sense will help us grow in faith and character through perseverance, running the race to the finish

Here is a practical step: Start your day by speaking truth out loud — Psalm 118:24 is a great example: “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it”. Decide that today is going to be a good day because God is with you, helping you through it all, and you never have to be alone!

2. Pray Continually

This doesn’t mean you’re on your knees 24/7. It means living in a running conversation with God. In the same way you stay connected with your best friend throughout the day through texts, quick calls, inside jokes, stay connected to the Father. Think about Him, talk with Him about Scripture, and how He would like you to respond in tough situations. Take a deep breath and pray when you feel that tension in back to back traffic or your boss piles another stack of files for you to review before you can head home for the day.

Prayer turns problems into opportunities for dependence, and that increasing dependence on God helps us turn our old worldly habits into a refreshed and changed mind. When we take that breath, slow down, quiet down and listen for the response that helps us make a better decision, we can reach that place of joy.

Here's a practical step: Use “trigger prayers.” Every time you check your phone, breathe a short prayer. Every red light, thank God for something. Turn life’s interruptions into invitations to pray.

3. Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Notice it doesn’t say “for all circumstances,” but in them.

• You can thank God in the storm even when you don’t thank Him for the storm.
• Gratitude shifts your focus from what you’ve lost to what you still have — and more importantly, to the God who has you.
• Scientific studies even back this up: grateful people are more resilient, sleep better, and have stronger relationships. But for the believer, gratitude is obedience and worship.

Why does this matter so much? Paul says this three-fold lifestyle is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. You don’t have to wonder what God’s will is in the big decisions if you’re already living this out in the daily moments. This is the atmosphere in which you’ll best discern His voice.

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"So here’s the challenge: For the next 30 days, make these three commands your daily rhythm.

• When you wake up → Rejoice.
• Throughout the day → Keep the prayer line open.
• When something frustrates or hurts you → Find something to thank God for.

You will fail some days. That’s okay - just begin again. The same grace that saved you is the grace that will sustain this kind of life.

Because when you rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, you are stepping into the very will of God. And there is no safer, more joyful, more powerful place to be than right in the center of His will.