The secret to a joy that passes all understanding

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always.

What does it mean?

Rejoicing is a choice to trust and worship God, regardless of our circumstances.

Our joy isn’t based on circumstances; it’s based on God.

Circumstances change, but God does not.

Rejoicing doesn’t mean everything is good. It means God is good, even when everything isn’t.

Why do we rejoice?

Because of what Jesus has done for us and who we are in Him!

Jesus paid it all! He suffered and died in our place for our sins. (Romans 5:8)

We are free from shame! In Christ, there is no more condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

We are forgiven! Our past, present, and future sins are covered by His grace. (Colossians 2:13)

We are loved! Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38-39)

We are a new creation! Our past no longer defines us. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We are never alone! He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

We have purpose! God can take what once destroyed us and use it for His glory. (Jeremiah 29:11)

We have hope! God works all things together for good for those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

We have eternal life! Death is not the end for us. (John 3:16)

How do we rejoice?

By choosing where we direct our thoughts.

You cannot control what thoughts enter your mind, but you can choose which thoughts you dwell on.

Instead of focusing on circumstances, focus on who God is and what He has promised.

You may not know HOW God will work things out, but you can trust that He will.

Rejoicing doesn’t change your circumstance. It changes your perspective.

Remember WHO GOD IS. Instead of telling God how big your problem is, start telling your problem how big your God is!

Pray without ceasing

What does it mean?

Praying without ceasing doesn’t mean praying on your knees 24/7.

It means living with a constant awareness of God’s presence.

God is actively involved and concerned with every detail of our lives.

Prayer is continual communication and dependence upon God. Just like a child towards a parent.

Why do we pray without ceasing?

Because prayer keeps us connected to God and dependent on Him!

Redirects our thoughts from worry to faith. (Philippians 4:6)

Brings peace by keeping our minds on God. (Isaiah 26:3)

Changes our perspective. We begin seeing situations through God’s lens. (Colossians 3:2)

Strengthens our dependence. We rely on God’s strength instead of our own. (Philippians 4:13)

Brings wisdom and direction. Acknowledging God in all our ways directs our path. (Proverbs 3:6)

How do we pray without ceasing?

By making prayer our first response, not our last resort!

Worried? Pray
Afraid? Pray
Discouraged? Pray
Difficulty? Pray
Don’t feel like doing something? Pray

Pay attention to anxious thoughts and turn them to prayer. Philippians 4:6-7

Include God in every situation. Talk to Him about everything throughout the day.

“Prayer isn’t just something we do. It’s how we live.”

In Everything Give Thanks

What does it mean?

Give thanks IN everything, not FOR everything.

We can give thanks because our lives are in God’s hands.

Everything that happens to us has to filter through God. If God allows it, He has a purpose for it.

God is present, faithful, and working all things for the good.

Thanksgiving is an expression of trust in God’s goodness and purpose.

Why do we give thanks in everything?

Redirects our attention from the problem to God’s promises.

Helps calm our stress response. Interrupts anxious thoughts and creates space for peace.

Reminds us of God’s faithfulness. “He sustained me before; I can trust Him again.”

Changes our perspective. Instead of seeing hopelessness, we remember God is still in control.

Builds new thinking habits. Repeated gratitude trains our minds to recognize God’s goodness.

Helps us respond instead of react. We gain clarity to make decisions based on truth rather than fear.

How do we practice thankfulness?

By intentionally redirecting our thoughts toward God’s truth and promises.

Difficulties? Thank God that nothing is too difficult for Him. Feeling lonely? Thank Him because He promises to never leave you or forsake you. Discouraged? Remember where God showed up in the past and thank Him for doing it again. Don’t know what to do? Thank Him that He promises wisdom when you ask.

Philippians 4:8 – Train Your Mind

Think about what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

When negative thoughts come in, redirect to thankfulness.

Practice daily gratitude: Start off your day with a gratitude journal. Write down things you are thankful for.

Powerful Reminders:

“Gratitude doesn’t deny the bad report. It declares the bad report is not the whole report!”

“Your circumstances may not change, but thankfulness can change the way you see them.”

“We don’t give thanks because everything is good. We give thanks because God is good in everything!”

Summary

Always rejoicing focuses on God, not your problem.

Praying without ceasing changes who you depend on.

Thanksgiving changes how you see your circumstance.

“You may not be able to change your circumstances, but through rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving, God can change the way you think, the way you respond, and the way you walk through them!”

This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus!

Rejoice Always Prayer

“Heavenly Father,

In this moment, I focus on you, not my burdens, issues or problems to solve.

I Praise The author of the Universe! The One who parted the Sea, turned Water into wine and wields the power to shift every circumstance I place into His hands.

I focus on The Truth.

Jesus, You became shame so I could live unshackled by the weight of condemnation.

You loved me first so I could be empowered by your spirit to bestow the same grace.

Remove the veil of self-pity, comparison, envy, jealousy, bitterness and hatred.

Today, I refuse the darkness.

Give me the continual awareness that you are with me, but I am always given the choice to be with you.

Help me to choose you above all my insecurities, worries, fears, discouragement, hopelessness and confusion.

In exchange, bless me with your peace, presence, clarity, wisdom and direction.

I give you my emotions, thoughts, past, relationships and circumstances as I choose to anchor myself in you and you alone.

Lord, thank you for loving me when everyone left. For seeing my potential and focusing on that.

For showing up in little and big ways; on my worst and best days.

Help me to be fully dependent and break me of my self-sufficiency.

Empower me to submit to The Holy Spirit who will supply all I need, not only survive but thrive despite it all.

You are worthy of my trust, my best, and all that I have. May I never take your sacrifice for granted by making my life all about me.

Baptize me afresh as I lay down my will, my future and my life for The One who poured out everything just for me.

In Jesus’ name, you are worthy of all I am, Amen.”

Julia Shalom Jordan